Dream Scenario is a dark comedy in which Nicolas Cage delivers one of his best performance. A film that will make you think and with stick with you for quite some time.
You would be hard pressed to find someone who is not a Nic Cage fan. He is intriguing and captivating, and an incredible performer. Even if he is in a move that perhaps doesn’t live up to its expectations, he stands out (in a good way).
Dream Scenario tells the story of a simple man, Paul Matthews, that is forgettable and unexciting. He is a tenured professor, but boring. When people all around the world start to dream about him, whether they have met him before or not, his world turns upside down. People simply cannot get Paul out of their heads.
Nic Cage portraying that man feels ironic and meta at the same time. There are many people who can’t stop thinking about him, and that isn’t going to change any time soon. There is just something about him and his career that people resonate with.
Dream Scenario is an A24 film, which is apparent from the start. They tend to pick up films that are strange, twisted, and unexpected, while at the same time make you think. This movie is exactly that. No one can explain the dream phenomenon that rapidly spreads through the world.
At first, he is just there, minding his own business. Eventually the dreams turn into nightmares, which once again turns Paul’s world upside down. Through this, Dream Scenario tackles themes of mob mentality, cancel culture, and hive minds. It shows how something can spread through society in a way that can be both prosperous and dangerous.
It also explores the world that we are living in today when it comes to marketing and capitalism. Everything and everyone that the world knows, good or bad, ends up exploited for the cause of making money. Making the rich, richer. Advertisers will jump on whatever they think is the hottest trend. Anything that can be monetized will be, and because of this reality doesn’t always meet expectations. Another topic that is spread throughout the movie.
While Dream Scenario is unafraid to dive into these real life topics and issues, it does so in a way that really works within the film and story. There are some scenes that are terrifying and suspenseful, and others that are so funny you will laugh until your cheeks hurt. It perfectly balances the two, which is largely in part because of Nic Cage.
It is Paul that delivers all of these moments and Cage pulls it off because he is unafraid to go there. He always has been that way when it comes to his work and we don’t see him stopping any time soon. That is why he is so perfect for the role of Paul Matthews.
Viewers will instantly love Paul because of his laugh, his self-consciousness, and the way Nic plays him. It is very easy to root for him, and hope that he finds happiness in his life instead of just contently walking through it, which is where he seems to start off. People can be changed by fame, which is often a flash in the pan. This can be a change for the good or the bad.
There is a lot going on in Dream Scenario, which ultimately ends on what most will describe as a heartbreaking but bittersweet moment. Heck, some might even shed some tears.
Dream Scenario is one of those movies that could have different interpretations depending on who is watching. The third act especially could be taken in several different ways. Films like this, where you are encouraged to take it all in and come up with your own conclusion make watching with a group of friends even better. Dream Scenario is a real conversation starter in that way.
Nicolas Cage delivers one of his best performances in Dream Scenario, a movie that will have viewers on the edge of their seat as it makes them feel several emotions from fear to happiness to heartbreak.
Rating: 4 out of 5
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About Dream Scenario
Hapless family man Paul Matthews (Nicolas Cage) finds his life turned upside down when millions of strangers suddenly start seeing him in their dreams. But when his nighttime appearances take a nightmarish turn, Paul is forced to navigate his newfound stardom, in this wickedly entertaining comedy from writer-director Kristoffer Borgli (Sick of Myself) and producer Ari Aster.
Dream Scenario hits theaters on November 10th.
Tessa Smith is a Rotten Tomatoes Tomatometer-approved Film and TV Critic. On Camera personality and TV / Film Critic with 10+ years of experience in video editing, writing, editing, moderating, and hosting.