Magazine Dreams is a 2023 film that finally released this past weekend due to the film initially being pulled by Searchlight due to the Jonathan Majors controversy and due to the actors strike happening at the time. The film stars Jonathan Majors, Haley Bennett, Taylour Paige, Harrison Page, Harriet Sanson Harris, and Mike O’Hearn. The film follows Killian Maddox (Majors), who looks after his ailing grandfather while trying to make it in the world of professional bodybuilding.

The film saw some controversy before it even released due to the ongoing situation going on with Jonathan Majors and his then-girlfriend. To be honest, I don’t really know what to believe at this point, and I’m going to try to stay away from that as I’m judging the film solely based on its merit. This is a tremendous film with a lot of great qualities that was going to be released at some point. I think at this point, the lesson is that no matter what, films like this will always come out when it has all been put together.

Upon its initial release in 2023, the film got a lot of early buzz. When Searchlight put it on their release calendar for that December, many, myself included, believed Majors would be nominated. Would he have been nominated at the time had he not had the issue? Absolutely. Will he now? I don’t think so. There’s no doubt the guy gives a tremendous performance where he pushes himself both mentally and physically. Say what you will about the movies this one is inspired by, but Majors stands out amongst those who starred in a similar role.

The film wears a lot of its influences on its sleeve. What I, and I’m sure others, believed was that this was going to be a motivational tale of a guy making it big. This is not that kind of movie. Instead, it is a slow burn, panic attack of a movie that is clearly influenced the tone of Uncut Gems and the story of Taxi Driver & Joker. The film actually starts off great. There wasn’t anything that blew me away and I found the pacing to be interesting for a 2 hour movie. Then, there is a reveal that completely reshaped perspective on the movie that brought my score down just a tad.

About halfway through, it is revealed where Killian is considering going on a killing spree, starting with the bodybuilder that he aspires to be. There’s a lot before this that is unsettling, but when this reveal happened, I felt sick. I had to look away from the screen a couple of times. I think that goes to show how effective and real this film really is.

By the time it reached its resolution, I felt mixed. I’m glad it went in a positive direction, but the reasoning didn’t quite feel earned. It felt very random. You can tell where Killian is a good person, but for him to do the right thing on his own did feel unbelievable. I guess if you are looking for something positive in the end, this one has it.

It’s challenging to see Jonathan Majors be on screen and see where certain things appeared to replicate what you heard in the news. I’m indifferent on the situation, but knowing of it, it certainly left me conflicted, and I can imagine it will for others. This is a movie that is meant to challenge you in a different way when it comes to toxic masculinity. It’s not trying to make reason for it, but shows how we get to the point of no return for certain people.

I’m thrilled this film did finally release. It just goes to show anything will be released. Writer & director Elijah Bynum shows real potential to be an effective filmmaker. The score is perfect for the atmosphere, and the cinematography creates an acid trip fever. A lot of talented people helped bring this film together. For that, I’m happy this finally got released. I think over time, this film has the potential to get better and better once you know what to expect.

Overall, Magazine Dreams will challenge you as a viewer, but there is no doubt it was made by talented people who put their best effort together. Majors’ performance easily sets the tone of the film. If you have the opportunity, I’d recommend you check it out when you can.

VERDICT: 3.5/5 (Pretty Good)