Paul Matthews (Nicolas Cage) is quite the ordinary, average guy. He teaches science at a local university, dreams of publishing his scientific, is happily married to Janet (Julianne Nicholson), and has two daughters (Jessica Clement and Lily Bird) to his name. What more could he want out of life?

In fact, the people around him even describe him as “boring” or “unremarkable,” not looking twice when walking past him. But an unexplainable phenomenon in the gorgeously filmed A24 film Dream Scenario changes everything, turning him into the most compelling protagonist imaginable far before he realizes it himself.

A few people randomly recognizing Paul in public quickly become millions of people worldwide dreaming of him. In the dreams, all he does is stand there, helpless to what horrific nightmares may be plaguing people in their worst dreams. As he rises to fame seemingly overnight, he initially seems quite content in being considered an “unconventional celebrity” (as Trent, Michael Cera’s character, puts it). However, the media sensation of his story quickly takes a turn as Paul searches for answers in a twist of powerless fate.

Produced by Ari Aster and directed by Kristoffer Borgli (best known for 2022’s Sick of Myself), Dream Scenario is a brilliant, surreal, and darkly hilarious look at humans’ endless fascination with dreams. Borgli is interested in exploring how people look for meaning in their subconscious state and what that says about those people in return. Quickly, though, it becomes clear that sometimes there is no meaning to be found.

Comparisons to the works of Charlie Kaufman and Aster are well-warranted, but make no mistake: Borgli’s vision here is individual and unique. He clearly marks his stamp with a film that completely commits to its concept, making it so much fun to watch as an audience member. All of the possible ways that Paul becoming the talk of the world could go wrong does, in fact, go wrong. Very wrong. And gosh, it is too entertaining to watch the plot unfold.

Other than Borgli, the only person more committed to bringing this vision to life is Cage himself in a role that harnesses all of his strengths as both a dramatic and comedic actor. Paul plays his convictions so straight-faced that it’s virtually impossible not to root for him as he finds the odds increasingly stacked against him. But what hits the deepest is not the world (minus France, supposedly) turning on him, but his family starting to question his character.

Nicholson is another fantastic cast member who stands toe-to-toe with Cage in their scenes together. She’s particularly great at bringing comedic moments to life, bringing Janet and her questioning of being with Paul to life.

What I commend most is that there is never a forced moment of explanation or exposition where suddenly everything clicks. Weird shit happens, Paul is in the wrong place at the wrong time, and the escalation only adds to the pure frustration and feeling of being unable to get out. This is a feeling that never ends, never letting the audience go.

Many reviews of the film have already called out its obvious comparisons to cancel culture and how it satirizes the right-wing, but it also has something to say about the way the media capitalizes on controversy for profit. Borgli also leans into the horror genre, where the crew’s technical talents shine. Blink-and-you’ll-miss-it quick cuts, sudden silence, or even a moment where the audio between two characters cuts out to a static recording of their voices all add an aura of curiosity and uncertainty.

While the third act perhaps doesn’t completely stick the landing, it gets so close, striking such a unique emotional chord that it’s difficult to hold the film’s ambition against it. As the dream-like atmosphere comes full circle, the audience is left with a tinge of desolation and a slim, lingering chance of hope that very few films achieve. If you’re like me and enjoy seeking out the weirdest films imaginable, Dream Scenario is a dream come true.

Review Courtesy of Matt Minton

Feature Image credit to A24 via Variety