Name: Dream Scenario
Genre: Comedy, Fantasy
Released: 2023-11-10T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Nicolas Cage, Julianne Nicholson, Michael Cera, Tim Meadows, Dylan Gelula

The scene that sticks with me from Kristoffer Borgli’s Dream Scenario is Nicolas Cage, wide-eyed and frantic, desperately trying to re-enact an erotic dream for a young woman who just wants her morning coffee. It’s a moment of such uncomfortable vulnerability that it becomes the film’s emotional core—Cage’s Paul Matthews isn’t just chasing fame; he’s chasing validation, and the way Borgli films this scene (tight close-ups, awkward silence) makes it painfully clear how hollow that pursuit really is.

Dream Scenario is a surreal satire wrapped in a family drama. Cage plays Paul, an evolutionary biology professor whose life unravels when millions of people start dreaming about him—first as a passive background figure, then as a violent nightmare. The premise is absurd, but Borgli grounds it in Paul’s desperate need to matter, which makes the film’s darker turns land with unsettling weight. The script (also by Borgli) balances biting social commentary on cancel culture and the dangers of viral fame with genuinely poignant family dynamics, particularly between Paul and his wife Janet (Julianne Nicholson), who delivers a performance of quiet strength.

Where Dream Scenario excels is in its tonal shifts—Borgli moves effortlessly from dark comedy to psychological horror, using Cage’s unhinged energy as both the film’s anchor and its wildcard. The diner brawl scene, where Paul’s public image turns violently against him, is a standout: the camerawork is chaotic, the sound design oppressive, and Cage’s performance oscillates between desperate and dangerous. It’s a sequence that feels like the cinematic equivalent of a fever dream, and it’s executed with precision.

That said, Dream Scenario isn’t without its missteps. The pacing stumbles in the third act, where the escalating absurdity starts to feel repetitive rather than revelatory. Some of the supporting characters, particularly Michael Cera’s Trent and Tim Meadows’ Brett, are underutilized, their arcs feeling more like plot devices than fully realized people. And while Cage’s performance is undeniably the film’s engine, there are moments where his intensity borders on self-parody, which risks undercutting the emotional stakes Borgli is trying to build.

Ultimately, Dream Scenario is a fascinating, if flawed, exploration of fame and identity. The film’s strengths lie in its bold tonal shifts and Cage’s magnetic performance, but it stumbles when it tries to balance social satire with personal drama. It’s a movie that will resonate most with viewers who appreciate absurdist humor and psychological depth, though it may frustrate those looking for tighter storytelling.

Borgli’s direction is both the film’s greatest strength and its Achilles’ heel. He has a keen eye for surreal imagery and a knack for building tension, but his script sometimes struggles to juggle its many themes. The film’s commentary on cancel culture and the pitfalls of internet fame is sharp, but it occasionally feels tacked on rather than organically woven into the narrative. The same can be said for the family drama elements; while Nicholson’s performance as Janet is a standout, her character’s arc sometimes gets lost in the shuffle of Paul’s increasingly chaotic journey.

The film’s production values are solid, with A24’s signature aesthetic lending Dream Scenario an air of off-kilter sophistication. The cinematography is visually striking, particularly in the dream sequences, which employ a mix of practical effects and digital manipulation to create a disorienting, otherworldly atmosphere. The sound design is equally impressive, using eerie, distorted audio to heighten the film’s surreal moments.

In terms of performances, Cage is the undeniable star of the show. His portrayal of Paul Matthews is a masterclass in physical comedy and psychological nuance, oscillating between desperation, frustration, and outright terror. Nicholson holds her own as Janet, providing a grounded counterpoint to Cage’s increasingly unhinged performance. Michael Cera and Tim Meadows have less to work with, but they make the most of their limited screen time.

Dream Scenario is a film that will divide audiences. Those who appreciate its absurdist humor and psychological depth will find much to love, while those looking for a more cohesive narrative may be left wanting.