Dream Scenario Movie Review (2023)

A surreal dark comedy about a man who begins appearing in strangers’ dreams, Dream Scenario is strange and well-acted, though it ultimately feels more interesting than involving.

I have always loved the movie Peggy Sue Got Married. Kathleen Turner is great in the film, and there’s something warm and nostalgic about it, even though I was an 80s kid and not a 60s kid. The one thing that has always stood out, however, is Nicolas Cage’s nasally voice. Rumor has it that Francis Ford Coppola, the producers, and Kathleen Turner hated that voice, but he was ultimately allowed to use it, and it stuck. Well, I’m here to tell you, the voice is back.

Dream Scenario is about a tenured professor of evolutionary biology who begins appearing in people’s dreams. Everywhere Paul goes, people seem to recognize him as usually standing by, watching the action, and doing nothing to interfere. Paul is excited by the notoriety, embarrassing his wife and two daughters, who are all confused about what is happening. With Paul’s waking life not going quite the way he had hoped, his dream presence slowly begins to lash out as well.

This film is a little creepy and wonky in the A24 way that you can’t quite put your finger on in terms of descriptives (think Beau Is Afraid). There is an underlying sinister feeling, but the characters aren’t doing anything that quite warrants the tone. I know this film is sometimes described as a horror/black comedy, but, as I’ve said before, I don’t like horror and can’t watch it, so I disagree. If anything, this leans towards psychological horror because of its theme and its nod to Freddy Krueger, but it is several levels removed from “scary.”

While the plot is compelling, I can’t say I liked the movie. That said, I don’t think you’re supposed to “like” it. None of the characters are particularly endearing, with Paul being the least of the bunch. He is whiny and selfish, with Cage making a return of about 70% of the Peggy Sue voice. Notably, though, Cage’s performance is solid in a primarily unlikable role.

Dream Scenario feels very indie, as it is hugely character-driven, only in a more unusual framework. This man has done nothing to appear in dreams throughout the nation, yet here he is, this unremarkable family man, with sudden fame. This is another theme explored, much like that of a social media star who suddenly goes viral. What do you do with the notoriety that is most likely fleeting? And will everyone continue to love you, or is there more to that spectrum once you’re famous?

I encourage you to watch Dream Scenario if you are a film lover. If you’re interested in out-of-the-box choices, unusual themes, and tonal shifts. But if you’re just looking for a movie to entertain you? Something light and airy? This isn’t that.

Runtime: 101 minutes

Motion Picture Rating: R

Languages Spoken In The Film: English

Should You Watch It? Yes

Did I Cry? Nope

My Rating: 3/5 Stars

Available: Free on Roku and Tubi, to rent on Prime Video, or may be available for free on other streaming platforms