Dream Scenario is the latest A24 film directed by Norwegian filmmaker Kristoffer Borgli and stars Nicolas Cage as a biology professor trying to reconcile with fame when he finds out that people begin dreaming about him. It feels like a crazy coincidence that this is also produced by Ari Aster, the filmmaker behinds some big hits, including this year’s flop Beau is Afraid. Seeing his collaboration with A24 continue is interesting in its own right, but you can see hints of Aster in the film. Following Aster is Nicolas Cage who also produced it. I like the fact that as a big A-list star, he is quietly supporting arthouse films like this. Through his work in arthouse films shows that he is much better suited here than the typical blockbuster or even the direct-to-DVD films he used to do.

Going into the film, there was clearly a lot of buzz between the film being distributed by A24 and seeing Nicolas Cage in another zany role that was due to hit theaters. It does feel like arthouse films of this caliber are not only trending, but show promise that these are the quality films to watch out for, especially when A24 is behind it.

Due to moving, I have been quite behind with my watchlist. Everything just had to come out as I began to move. This film was the only one that I could fit into my schedule, and I am not disappointed. Sure, it wasn’t perfect, but it was extremely confident in its execution and give viewers the quality they are looking for, even if the couple in front of me left 3/4 into the movie (I mean, seriously, just stick it out at that point). As soon as the film started, I got the sense that this was going to be quite different as we are thrown immediately into someone’s dream to ensure we understand the plot. From there, the film really wastes no time getting into the meat of the story. At 101 minutes, no time is ever wasted. The pacing is terrific and the editing is even better. Seriously, the editing is a 10/10. The film is fast-paced, yet delivers on its most important messages. With a film that perfectly balances comedy and horror, you can see why someone like Ari Aster would want to be one of the producers on this.

Nicolas Cage continues his winning streak of delivering off the wall performances that work in award-worthy scripts. He is so much better suited here than anything else. While the bald cap could be noticable at times, Cage portrays as biology professor, Paul Matthews, who has a cushy life, but wants more. He is convinced that there are others who have stole his limelight, thus gives him the desire to be famous. When he finds out that nearly everyone around him dream about him, he has finally hit the jackpot. He sees this as an opportunity to hit the fame he has been desiring. The truth is, though, he is doing nothing in the dreams. This, within itself, tells the tale of just how one can be immediately attached to the desire of fame even if they really aren’t doing anything. It’s a sign of what we see a lot today as people fall into things they didn’t expect, and sometimes, really just may be doing nothing.

But there comes a price and a responsibility with fame. It’s when the same people who have claimed to have had a dream with him now claim that they had a dream where he did something horrible to them. This revelation comes after Cage has seen some unique success between landing a good deal with a publishing company and having an encounter with a young assistant of the company. When people become terrified of Cage’s character after their nightmares, Cage can’t control himself. He goes off the deep end. Without any spoilers, it’s a timely reflection of cancel culture. While the situation of Cage hurting people in their dreams was out of his control, he could have handled it much better after the fallout. The overall theme of the story is to show that one becomes famous, you also have to be accountable with your own perception to be in good standing with those who view you on a higher platform. I wouldn’t say it’s the most important theme of all time, but the film does a great job of conveying it and getting viewers talking about it.

Aside from Cage, I really want to talk about the rest of the cast. With as little time as possible, Michael Cera is in a performance that I have never seen before. He exudes confidence as Trent, one of the members of the publishing firm trying to sell Cage on some ideas. It’s the most confident I have ever seen him and I hope to see more of this type of stuff from him. Julianne Nicholson is terrific as Cage’s wife, Janet Matthews, who displays a sense of insecurity with her husband that she has been with for 15 years. Dylan Gelula has a scene stealing performance as the assistant that has an encounter with Cage’s character. Then, there are the cameos that I won’t give away. Just be ready to be entertained be who you see.

As mentioned, the film is not perfect. The themes could be a little bit too much on the nose at times and even try to make the plot too convenient. For example, after the fallout of Cage’s character, a group of influencers try to amend the situation through something that becomes way too convenient for Cage. I get the point here, but how they add it brings up more baggage that isn’t fully explored. The dialogue could also be a bit cringe at times between Cage & Nicholson as they portray husband & wife. The way they talk at times almost made it sound like kids and not like real adults. Not sure if it was to add their dynamic, but it is something that I didn’t find to be necessary.

Overall, Dream Scenario navigates the reality of cancel culture in a subtle & realistic fashion. It feels real, because the characters & dialogue feel real, making it all feel uncomfortable. Though it can be uncomfortable, it is an important watch to better understand the perspective of why people need to be responsible when fame hits them.

VERDICT: Great