Destiny, Tangent Universes, and Existential Sacrifice

Donnie Darko presents a complex puzzle of temporal mechanics, but at its heart lies a question of fate versus free will. Donnie is chosen to return a metallic artifact to the primary universe to prevent its collapse, a task that requires his own death. His decision to accept this fate is a profound existential choice. Faced with the choice between a lonely existence in a tangent world or a meaningful sacrifice for those he loves, Donnie laughs in the face of death, defining his own purpose.