Dream Scenario, screening at TIFF 2023, is a movie that feels tailor-made for the A24 catalogue. Directed by Kristoffer Borgli and produced by Ari Aster, the film stars Nicolas Cage as an unassuming professor who inexplicably begins appearing in people’s dreams. A surreal blend of horror, dark comedy, and social commentary, Dream Scenario is a ride that’s as unsettling as it is amusing.
At its core, Dream Scenario is a high-concept film that explores the complexities of fame and social ostracization. Cage’s character, Paul Matthews, is an unremarkable college professor who suddenly finds himself at the center of a viral phenomenon. He becomes an overnight sensation, only to later morph into a figure of terror in people’s nightmares. The film delves into the fickleness of fame and the societal implications of becoming a pariah, albeit in a dream world.
“Dream Scenario is a ride that’s as unsettling as it is amusing.”
Never one to be dull in a role, Nicolas Cage delivers an eccentric and nuanced performance. His portrayal of Paul Matthews is a departure from his usual over-the-top roles. Here, he’s a subdued, almost invisible figure who gains notoriety for simply existing in people’s subconscious minds. Cage’s performance is a masterclass in subtlety, punctuated by moments of his signature over-the-top style, which adds layers to an already complex character. This is one of the best Cage roles I have seen in years, with the against-type performance adding to the complexity of the role.
Dream Scenario also takes a sideways swipe at cancel culture and social pariahdom without taking a definitive stance. It toys with the idea of societal exile for figures deemed problematic but stops short of directly attacking any particular viewpoint. This ambiguity is both the film’s strength and its weakness. While it adds layers of complexity, it also leaves the audience pondering what the film is trying to say, if anything at all. With that at the core of the experience, the lack of stance detracts from the message and leaves only questions about how society should act in these situations.
Dream Scenario is rich in tonal elements, thanks to its producer Ari Aster, who is known for his unique blend of horror and drama and films such as Hereditary and Midsommar. The film oscillates between being silly and unsettling, creating an atmosphere that keeps the audience on the edge of their seats. It’s a film that echoes the surreal comedies seen throughout the late ’90s and early 2000s.
One of the standout scenes involves a young woman (Dylan Gelula) who persuades Paul to reenact a dream, leading to a hilarious and uncomfortable sequence. This scene encapsulates the essence of the movie—comic discomfort tinged with an underlying sense of dread. It is often difficult to watch, but it adds to the madness and complex narrative the movie is trying to convey. Cage manages to be not only awkward but somehow menacing in the way he portrays his dual roles as dream and real persona.
“Nicolas Cage’s performance is the linchpin that holds this enigmatic film together, adding another eccentric character to his already diverse portfolio.”
The film is not without its flaws, however. It has a tendency to meander, especially in its exploration of hot-button issues like cancel culture. It seems to want to provoke without fully committing to a point of view, which can be both intriguing and frustrating for the audience. It also suffers from some pacing issues, jumping around in time without a clear indication of how much time is actually passing for the characters. None of these issues are major and are just minor nitpicks on an otherwise fantastic cinematic outing.
Dream Scenario is a thought-provoking, unsettling, and often hilarious film that offers a unique take on the complexities of fame and social ostracization. While it may not provide easy answers, it serves as a compelling exploration of societal norms and the human psyche. Nicolas Cage’s performance is the linchpin that holds this enigmatic film together, adding another eccentric character to his already diverse portfolio. It’s a film that will likely polarize audiences but will undoubtedly spark conversations long after the credits roll.
