Nicolas Cage takes on a perplexing yet riveting role in Kristoffer Borgli’s “Dream Scenario,” a film that straddles the genres of comedy, horror, and fable. The movie, produced by Ari Aster’s company and distributed by A24, feels like a spiritual cousin to Cage’s earlier works “Adaptation” and “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent.” Cage plays Paul Matthews, an unassuming college professor who mysteriously begins to appear in people’s dreams. Despite his low-profile life, teaching obscure subjects at an unknown university, Paul becomes an instant sensation when he turns into a recurring figure in dreams all over the world.
In a performance that deliberately downplays his characteristic flamboyance, Cage pulls off the role of an ordinary man whose life takes an extraordinary turn. The film keeps viewers on their toes as it deliberately blurs the line between reality and dreams, causing audiences to second-guess what they’re seeing.
One intriguing twist is that the story also delves into the subconscious of other characters. Paul becomes an instant celebrity and even explores becoming the world’s first “dream influencer” at a quirky New York marketing firm. But things take a darker turn when Paul’s appearances in people’s dreams start to become unsettling, leading to a shift in public opinion against him.
Director Borgli cleverly plays with contemporary cultural themes, from social media virality to cancel culture, while leaving the root cause of Paul’s dreamlike appearances intriguingly unexplained. Toward the film’s conclusion, the introduction of technology capable of injecting influencers into dreams offers a satirical commentary on today’s social media landscape.
In a departure from his usually intense roles, Cage delivers a surprisingly understated performance that makes us ponder the ephemeral nature of fame and public perception. “Dream Scenario” is a fascinating blend of genres and ideas, leaving viewers with plenty to chew on long after the credits roll.
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