“Dream Scenario” (2023) is a black Comedy, Horror, and fantasy film written and directed by Kristoffer Borgli, featuring a notable cast including Nicolas Cage, Julianne Nicholson, Michael Cera, Tim Meadows, Dylan Gelula, and Dylan Baker. Produced by Ari Aster and Lars Knudsen, the film premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2023, and was later released by A24 on November 10, 2023.
Dream Scenario Movie Details
| Movie Name | Dream Scenario |
| Rating | R |
| Genre | Comedy, Horror |
| Original Language | English |
| Director | Kristoffer Borgli |
| Producers | Ari Aster, Tyler Campellone, Jacob Jaffke, Lars Knudsen, Nicolas Cage |
| Writer | Kristoffer Borgli |
| Release Date (Theaters) | November 22, 2023 (Wide) |
| Runtime | 1 hour 40 minutes |
| Distributor | A24 |
Plot Summary:
The storyline centers around biology professor Paul Matthews, who becomes an inexplicable figure in the dreams of those around him. As the dreams gain global attention, Paul grapples with the frustration of being portrayed as passive and uninteresting.
The narrative takes a dark turn when a disturbed individual, influenced by Paul’s dreams, breaks into his home. To manage the escalating public interest, Paul engages a PR firm, leading to both bizarre and humiliating situations. As Paul’s dream presence turns violent, it jeopardizes his professional and personal life.
Amidst growing harassment and personal crises, Paul’s confrontational behavior peaks, resulting in a public apology and a forced separation from his wife, Jan. The plot introduces an unexpected element with the emergence of dream-traveling technology, initially designed for advertising. Simultaneously, Jan witnesses this technological breakthrough while Paul embarks on a lackluster tour to promote his autobiography, “Dream Scenario,” rebranded as “I Am Your Nightmare” without his consent.
In a final twist, the dreams cease, and dream-traveling technology becomes a reality. Despite the separation, Paul utilizes technology to enter Jan’s dreams, saving her life in a scenario she previously expressed as her ideal dream. The film concludes with a surreal yet poignant resolution, as Jan wakes up, leaving audiences with a thought-provoking conclusion.
Dream Scenario Parents Guide
Why is Dream Scenario rated R?
“Dream Scenario” is rated R due to strong language, violence, and some sexual content, as determined by the Motion Picture Association.
Sex & Nudity:
The movie includes explicit sex-related dialogue, sexual situations, an awkward attempt at seduction, and flashes of a passionate sex act.
Violence & Gore:
The film features several scary and unsettling nightmare sequences with attacks, strangling, bashing with blunt objects, shooting with arrows, and more. There are also bloody wounds, injuries, threats, and potentially intense scenes.
Profanity:
The script includes frequent use of strong language, including many instances of “f–k,” as well as “s–t,” “a–hole,” and more.
Alcohol, Drugs & Smoking:
Characters in the movie are shown drinking wine with dinner and socially in a bar.
Frightening & Intense Scenes:
The movie is described as having several scary and unsettling nightmare sequences, so it may contain frightening and intense scenes that could be challenging for some viewers.
Who is in the Cast of Dream Scenario?
Here’s the cast of “Dream Scenario” and their respective characters:
| Actor | Role |
| Nicolas Cage | Paul Matthews, a college professor |
| Julianne Nicholson | Janet Matthews, Paul’s wife |
| Michael Cera | Trent, the head of a viral marketing firm |
| Tim Meadows | Brett, the dean of Paul’s college |
| Dylan Gelula | Molly, Trent’s assistant |
| Dylan Baker | Richard, a colleague of Paul |
| Kate Berlant | Mary, Trent’s business partner |
| Lily Bird | Sophie Matthews, Paul’s daughter |
| Jessica Clement | Hannah Matthews, Paul’s daughter |
| David Klein | Andy, Paul’s student |
| Cara Volchoff | Candice |
| Noah Centineo | Dylan |
| Nicholas Braun | Brian Berg |
| Amber Midthunder | Haley |
| Lily Gao | Realtor |
Summary:
Dream Scenario” is a dark comedy-horror film directed by Kristoffer Borgli, featuring Nicolas Cage, Julianne Nicholson, and Michael Cera. The plot revolves around biology professor Paul Matthews, who becomes a prominent figure in people’s dreams, leading to chaos and violence. As Paul’s dream presence turns threatening, he faces public scrutiny, personal crises, and separation from his wife. The narrative takes a twist with the emergence of dream-traveling technology. Ultimately, Paul uses this technology to enter his wife’s dreams, saving her life. The film explores explicit content, violence, profanity, and intense scenes.
