Dream Scenario tells the story of a boring, non-descript everyman named Paul (Nicolas Cage) who suddenly starts appearing in millions of people’s dreams. At first, he is more of an observer than an active participant, yet he becomes an instant celebrity who everyone wants a piece of. When his innocent appearances start turning into hellish nightmares for his fans however, he soon finds out that fame isn’t everything he thought it was.
Cage has made a career out of playing oddball characters, yet his latest role is perhaps the most normal one he’s ever played. It’s the movie itself that is odd, quirky and hilarious at times. It’s also an intriguing commentary on cancel culture and the societal groupthink world we currently live in. The problem with the movie however is that it changes from quirky comedy to serious drama midway through and never seems to find its footing again. There is a place for social commentary in the film, but it becomes so in-your-face that it borders on being preachy. You also never really get a grasp on if you feel sorry for Paul.
Dream Scenario has its moments where you will laugh uncontrollably and a commentary that will make you think about the world we live in, but it also has moments that will make you shake your head for trying too hard to teach us all a lesson. It had potential to be something really special, but it just didn’t know where to draw the line.
- Rated: R
- Genre: Comedy, Drama
- Release Date: 9/9/2023
- Directed by: Kristoffer Borgli
- Starring: Dylan Baker, Julianne Nicholson, Michael Cera, Nicolas Cage, Tim Meadows
- Produced by: Ari Aster, Jacob Jaffke, Lars Knudsen, Tyler Campellone
- Written by: Kristoffer Borgli
- Studio: A24, Square Peg
