Dream Scenario

Cast View all

	Lily Bird	Sophie Matthews
	Nicolas Cage	Paul Matthews
	Julianne Nicholson	Janet Matthews
	Jessica Clement	Hannah Matthews
	Star Slade	Greta
	David Klein	Andy
	Kaleb Horn	Miles
	Liz Adjei	Avery
	Paula Boudreau	Sheila
	Marnie McPhail	Claire
	Courtney Lamanna	Jessie
	Tim Meadows	Brett
	Dylan Baker	Richard
	Maev Beaty	Naomi
	Marc Coppola	Sidney
	Krista Bridges	Carlota
	Conrad Coates	Dinner Guest #1
	Marnie Brunton	Dinner Guest #2
	Nneka Elliott	News Anchor
	Jeremy Levick	Sleep Specialist
	Jim Armstrong	Tristan
	Ben Caldwell	Eli
	Agape Mngomezulu	Robbie
	Stephen R. Hart	Tall Man
	Leah Stanley	Snailface

Crew View all

Director	Kristoffer Borgli
Writer	Kristoffer Borgli
Producer	Ari Aster, Nicolas Cage, Tyler Campellone, Jacob Jaffke, Lars Knudsen
Musician	Owen Pallett
Photography	Benjamin Loeb

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Notes

My quick rating - 6.8/10. This flick is a dark comedy that takes a delightfully absurd premise and runs with it, delivering a clever satire on fame, paranoia, and the strange allure of social media’s spotlight. At the center of it all is Nicolas Cage, who is perfectly cast as Paul Matthews, a regular guy whose life is thrown into chaos when he inexplicably starts appearing in the dreams of millions. Cage nails the role, bringing both humor and pathos to Paul’s journey from anonymity to unwanted stardom, making this quirky story as entertaining as it is unsettling. Writer/director Kristoffer Borgli crafts a captivating concept that speaks to the age of instant celebrity and cancel culture. Though these themes linger in the background, the film’s primary focus is the creeping paranoia that haunts Paul as his dream appearances take a dark, menacing turn. The bizarre twist of millions witnessing his image each night leaves him struggling to manage the repercussions in his waking life. Borgli's script captures the surreal nature of modern fame, exploring how even the most ordinary lives can spiral out of control in a world hungry for spectacle. The film is propelled by sharp writing and solid performances all around, with Cage delivering one of his best roles in recent years. He portrays Paul with a perfect balance of befuddlement and vulnerability, inviting us to sympathize with his surreal predicament. The supporting cast adds to the hilarity, amplifying the film’s satirical undertones. However, as engaging as it is, this flick does falter in its final act. A late, somewhat jarring plot development disrupts the pacing and distracts from the strong themes established earlier in the story. This "foreign element" feels out of place, drawing focus away from Paul’s personal journey and the movie's sharp critique of fame and surveillance. It doesn't derail the entire film but does detract from the otherwise cohesive narrative. Overall, this is a unique, darkly funny take on the strange consequences of unasked-for fame, buoyed by a standout performance from Cage. Despite a misstep in its final stretch, it’s a well-executed, thought-provoking watch for fans of unconventional comedies and social satire alike.

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