This review contains minor spoilers for “Dream Scenario”

The second of four Secret Screenings at Fantastic Fest premiered Sunday, Sept. 24. A24’s “Dream Scenario,” written and directed by Kristoffer Borgli, follows college professor Paul Matthews (Nicolas Cage) as he gradually discovers that he keeps appearing in people’s dreams.

While the film’s central premise sounds simple and straightforward, the actual message of the film, as well as its execution, proves anything but. At the film’s start, Paul realizes he not only appears in the dreams of his friends and family but also in the dreams of complete strangers all around the world. When his presence in these dreams turns from silent and passive to violent and terrifying, Paul must come to terms with his unwanted fame. With themes tied to the dangerous nature of parasocial relationships and critiques of capitalism, “Dream Scenario” certainly intends to deliver a hard-hitting message.

Cage’s performance stands out as one of the best of his career. He takes on the daunting task of playing two polar opposite characters — his dream personality and his real-world one. His real-world self exudes an air of social anxiety and blandness while his dream self comes off as bold and menacing. As the film progresses, the lines designating one Paul from another become more and more blurry, a feat Cage pulls off beautifully.

This film’s editing also stands out as a strong highlight. Jarring cuts between scenes and dialogue that bleeds in from the preceding scene or into the proceeding one make it difficult for audiences to designate the real from the dreamt up, adding to the film’s unnerving nature. This editing style also helps the film establish and maintain a quick momentum, with hardly a dull or slow moment. 

The film’s most fatal flaw comes from its abrupt ending. Stylistically, it fits with the rest of the film, especially since the movie begins with a loud crash that shatters a glass table. An argument can be made that the director intended for the film to end on an ambiguous note, but the cut to the credits feels so unexpected, it leaves viewers wishing for a more fleshed-out conclusion. Given the movie’s themes, however, this decision holds the potential to grow on viewers upon repeated viewings. 

“Dream Scenario” benefits from a unique premise and a cast that gives 150%. A24 seems to be in the business of giving older actors like Cage and Brendan Fraser their second comeback, and audiences will not be disappointed with this newest installment. While not perfect, this movie harbors a big personality and poses big questions about if and how a person can live up to the idea other people have of them in their head.

4 zebra herds out of 5