Credit must be given to writer/director Kristoffer Borgli, the creative mind behind “Sick of Myself,” for his brilliant script in “Dream Scenario.” Borgli's adeptness at orchestrating the transformation of the lovable hero in this unconventional narrative, evolving from a fun celebrity to a global villain, is executed with such clever finesse that, despite the absence of grandiose explanations, the journey remains thoroughly enchanting.
The inclusion of Nicholas Cage, known for his ability to effortlessly embody both befuddlement and menace, further elevates the film. As an Oscar-winning actor, Cage delivers a performance that stands among his best, portraying Paul Matthews, a mild-mannered biology professor whose lectures are an instant remedy for insomnia. Paul's mundane home life with his wife, Janet (Julianne Nicholson), takes an unexpected turn when he discovers he's appearing in the dreams of strangers as a passive observer to unsettling scenarios.
The tension heightens at home as Janet grapples with the mystery of why so many people dream about her husband while she does not. The concern arises that his absence from her dreams may signal trouble in their waking life. However, Paul is less concerned about the why of his dream appearances and more about his passive role, even neglecting to assist his daughter in her dreams featuring him as a passive viewer.
This concern takes a backseat as Paul's dream appearances transition from admiration to violence, instilling real fears in the dreamers upon awakening. Inexplicably, Paul becomes the most feared person on the planet, despite having committed no actions in the waking world to warrant such a reaction.
Borgli seamlessly guides Paul's transformation from a likable dream invader to a 21st Century version of Freddy Krueger. What distinguishes this transformation is the absence of a major incident or a great loss that would twist his character's mind. Paul remains the same ordinary man while simultaneously embodying terror, achieving a unique harmony in entertainment.
The narrative reflects a world where heroes and villains are born in the blink of the Internet, where individuals can be vilified based on images—some real, some fake—that permeate the ethos. The changes occur without justification or justice, leaving the subject to grapple with denial or live with the aftermath.
Nicholas Cage's portrayal of Paul, progressing from instant celebrity to dream demon, is pivotal to the success of “Dream Scenario.” Cage effortlessly establishes Paul as a dullard with a modest ambition to be recognized for his ant research. The progression unfolds as smoothly as Borgli's script, eliciting both envy for the fame he attains without effort and fear for the transformation in both awake and sleeping worlds.
Borgli's masterful direction and script, combined with Cage’s compelling performance, make “Dream Scenario” a true dream scenario for production. The film seamlessly blends comedy and drama, presenting both the awake and sleeping worlds with equal fascination.
The most significant merit lies in Borgli's decision not to insult the viewer with a wild justification for Paul's plight. In this case, the focus shifts from why something happened to what transpires, establishing “Dream Scenario” as one of the standout films of the year.
“Dream Scenario” is currently in theaters, featuring a stellar cast including Nicolas Cage, Julianne Nicholson, Lily Bird, Star Slade, and David Klein. Directed by Kristoffer Borgli, the film is rated R for violence, some sexual content, and language, with a runtime of 102 minutes.
