Dream Scenario (2023) movie review

Dream Scenario is a fantasy/comedy movie which while presenting an outrageous what-if scenario, exhibits a commentary on fame in the modern age of social media and cancel culture. Coupled with a fresh concept, the movie has an incredible performance by Nicholas Cage at its centre and is a must-watch for his fans.

Cage plays Paul Matthews, a mild-mannered professor who eerily starts appearing in multiple people’s dreams, including strangers from across the globe. In these dreams, he is casually strolling, barely interacting with the dreamer. The movie takes note of how bizarre the phenomenon is, which turns Paul into an overnight celebrity, of sorts. The thing is, in his regular life, Paul is far from important. His lectures are dull, he gets no respect at home, he has no friends and he is foolishly expecting credit from an author who published a book on a subject he once wrote about as a student.

The fame this dream scenario brings excites him. His wife, played by Julianne Nicholson, is unmoved by the whole affair until she gets to participate in a desirable work project as a direct result of her husband’s newly gained popularity. Paul knows he needs to make the best of this moment but is seriously unprepared for it. He visits an ad agency to see how they can help him sell the book that he hasn’t started writing yet. The agency, led by the terrific Michael Cera, instead suggests that he should be in a Sprite ad, as they are interested in him.

Nicholas Cage is essentially playing two roles in the movie. One that people have manifested in their dreams and Paul Matthews. As Paul, Cage has transformed his mind and body to look like an unremarkable, average, middle-aged man who makes no impression on everyone he meets. If you have seen Cage’s movies you know how unique that is. As the man in the dreams though, he is hilarious.

The second half of the movie delves into the difference between success and fame and how it can be harmful to believe them to be one. The man in the dreams who is a figment of a collective subconscious makes a much stronger impression than Paul. The dean of the University (the always funny, Tim Meadows) where Paul teaches means well, but even he can’t help Paul when trouble emerges.

The movie is an artful satire written and directed by Norwegian director Kristoffer Borgli in his first American feature. Kristoffer worked with his usual team here, and edited the movie himself, giving it a bizarre yet grounded appearance whether we are watching the dreams or the real world. It’s a well-acted, well-made movie with a fresh concept. Don’t miss out on this little gem from 2023.