‘Donovan’s Echo’ film review: Dull case of déjà vu

Billed as a “supernatural thriller,” Donovan’s Echo feels more like an overwrought made-for-TV movie.

In this plodding, Canadian-made film from first-time feature director Jim Cliffe, Donovan Matheson (Danny Glover) returns home after a long absence to discover events from his past are repeating. He is convinced that tragedy will strike on the 30th anniversary of the deaths of his wife and daughter. As Donovan seeks to unravel the mystery, everyone around him is questioning his sanity.

The real mystery, however, is how Donovan’s Echo can keep audiences awake.

The real mystery, however, is how Donovan’s Echo can keep audiences awake.

Donovan spends most of the movie describing his actions to Finnley (Bruce Greenwood), his brother-in-law, rather than taking any real action to move the plot forward. Long stretches of Donovan poring over documents further slows the already glacial pace. Rather than heighten drama, the gratuitous use of flashbacks only distracts.

None of the supporting characters, Finnley included, are fleshed out — merely acting as sounding boards for Donovan’s ramblings.

Despite the tenuous plotline, Glover fully commits himself to the role as the man with a past.

But in the end, Donovan’s Echo is a mystery that’s not worth waiting for.