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 opening shot of Nicolas Cage as Paul Matthews, floating helplessly in the sky as a teenage girl screams for help, sets the tone for Kristoffer Borgli’s Dream Scenario: surreal, unsettling, and darkly comedic. This is a film that knows how to make its audience squirm, even as it laughs.

Borgli, following up his brutal satire Sick of Myself, mines similar territory here—a story about the perils of unexpected fame and the loss of control over one’s own narrative. Cage, in peak form, plays Paul, a mild-mannered university professor whose life unravels when he becomes the unwitting star of millions of strangers’ dreams. The film’s strength lies in its ability to balance absurdity with genuine pathos. Borgli’s direction is disquieting yet precise, using surreal imagery and uncomfortable humor to explore themes of identity, empathy, and the dehumanizing effects of celebrity.

The performances are a highlight. Cage, as always, brings an intensity that makes even the most mundane moments compelling. His frustration at being depicted as passive in these dreams is palpable, and his descent into self-pity and rage is both tragic and darkly funny. Julianne Nicholson, as Paul’s wife Janet, provides a grounded counterpoint to Cage’s escalating madness. Michael Cera and Tim Meadows also deliver strong supporting performances, adding layers of complexity to the film’s exploration of fame and public perception.

Where Dream Scenario falters is in its pacing. The film’s surreal moments are undeniably effective, but they sometimes feel disjointed, as if Borgli is trying too hard to shock rather than build a cohesive narrative. The shift from dark comedy to outright horror in the film’s latter stages is jarring, and the resolution feels rushed, leaving some of the film’s deeper themes underdeveloped.

The film’s exploration of empathy, or lack thereof, is one of its most interesting aspects. Paul’s journey from obscure professor to vilified public figure highlights how quickly society can turn on someone, and how easily people can be swayed by narrative rather than truth. However, this theme could have been more deeply explored. The final scene, in which Paul ceases to appear in people’s dreams, feels abrupt and unsatisfying, leaving the audience with more questions than answers.

Dream Scenario is a film that demands attention. It’s not always comfortable to watch, but it’s never boring. Borgli’s direction is bold, Cage’s performance is captivating, and the film’s themes are timely and relevant.