A Collective Nightmare: A Look at Kristoffer Borgli’s “Dream Scenario”

There’s something undeniably unsettling about the idea of a stranger invading your dreams. Director Kristoffer Borgli taps into that primal fear with his 2023 film, “Dream Scenario,” a movie that’s as thought-provoking as it is bizarre.

The film centres on a seemingly ordinary man named A. A. Matthews (played by the ever-intriguing Nicolas Cage), whose life takes a bizarre turn when he starts appearing in the dreams of millions. At first, it’s a novelty, a quirky phenomenon that garners him internet fame. News outlets dub him the “Dream Guy,” social media explodes with memes and theories, and A.A. finds himself thrust into a bizarre celebrity status.

But the dream appearances quickly turn dark. Reports surface of people experiencing nightmares featuring a menacing A.A., a harbinger of anxieties and insecurities within the collective dreamscape. A.A. himself starts having unsettling dreams, blurring the lines between reality and the subconscious. “Dream Scenario” isn’t your typical horror film. There are no jump scares or creepy crawlies. The horror here is far more insidious, a creeping sense of unease that stems from the loss of control. A.A. is a man thrust into the spotlight of the subconscious, his every action interpreted and reinterpreted by a million different minds.

Cage delivers a nuanced performance here, capturing the quiet desperation of a man who just wants his life back. Gone are the over-the-top theatrics Cage is sometimes known for. Instead, he portrays A.A. with a subtle vulnerability, a man overwhelmed by the strange situation and increasingly isolated from his own family. We see the toll it takes on him, the sleep deprivation, the growing paranoia, and the desperate attempts to regain some semblance of normalcy.

The film’s visuals are a masterclass in creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Think soft focus, muted colours that seem to bleed into one another, and unsettling juxtapositions. The camerawork is equally disorienting, with jarring cuts that disrupt the flow of time and long takes that leave you feeling unmoored. One scene, for instance, starts with A.A. in his cluttered home office, only to transition seamlessly into a vast, empty desert landscape. It’s a style that perfectly complements the film’s exploration of the subconscious, where logic and reason take a backseat to symbolism and raw emotion.

Some viewers might find the film’s pacing slow, particularly in the first act. Borgli takes his time establishing A.A.’s world and the initial strangeness of the situation. There are scenes of domesticity – A.A. bickering with his teenage son over chores, sharing an awkward breakfast with his wife – that feel almost mundane. But these scenes are crucial in establishing A.A.’s baseline reality and the normalcy that’s slowly stripped away from him. The slow burn also allows Borgli to explore some interesting themes about the nature of fame. A.A. experiences a meteoric rise to fame, albeit in the bizarre realm of dreams. But it’s a fame he never asked for, and one that offers no real control. He’s a passive participant in his own celebrity, his image twisted and warped by the collective unconscious.

“Dream Scenario” has definitely sparked conversation online. Some viewers have praised the film’s originality and its unsettling atmosphere. Others have found it slow and pretentious. There’s no denying that this is a film that will challenge viewers. It’s not a movie that gives easy answers, and it will likely leave you with more questions than resolutions.

Is that a bad thing? Not necessarily. Sometimes, the most powerful films are the ones that stay with you long after the credits roll, forcing you to confront your own anxieties and ponder the complexities of the human experience. “Dream Scenario” is one such film.

The film’s ending is particularly ambiguous, leaving room for multiple interpretations. Does A.A. regain control of his dream life, or is he forever trapped in the collective unconscious? Is the film a commentary on the dangers of social media and the ever-present pressure to curate a perfect online persona? Or is it a deeper exploration of the nature of reality itself, blurring the lines between dreams and waking life?

“Dream Scenario” offers no easy answers. But it’s a film that rewards thoughtful engagement, one that will stay with you long after the credits roll. It’s a film that lingers in the mind, a disquieting dream you can’t quite shake.

FINAL VERDICT

“Dream Scenario” is not for everyone. If you’re looking for a popcorn flick with a clear-cut ending and a thrill-a-minute ride, you’ll probably be disappointed. But for those seeking a thought-provoking and unsettling cinematic experience, Borgli’s film is a must-see. It’s a slow burn, but the rewards are worth it, offering a unique exploration of fame, dreams, and the nature of reality itself. Prepare to be unsettled, prepare to be challenged, and prepare to have your dreams invaded by Nicolas Cage. “Dream Scenario” might just leave you questioning the very fabric of your own existence. In the best way possible, of course.