Academy Award-winning actor Nicolas Cage brings his unique charm to Kristoffer Borgli’s dark comedy ‘Dream Scenario,’ set to hit streaming screens on Max starting March 15. The film, praised as a masterpiece by Cage himself, promises a thrilling blend of humor and horror.
In ‘Dream Scenario,’ Cage takes on the role of Paul Matthews, a seemingly ordinary biology professor whose life takes a surreal turn when he starts appearing in the dreams of millions. A devoted family man, Paul grapples with the challenges of newfound celebrity status, but the once-hilarious scenario takes a nightmarish turn, mirroring director Kristoffer Borgli’s exploration of fame and self-perception.
Kristoffer Borgli, both writer and director of ‘Dream Scenario,’ presents a darkly hilarious world, skillfully navigating themes of fame and existential reflection. The film delves into the complexities of Paul’s stagnant reality despite his omnipresence in the dreamscape. With a 91% fresh rating on Rotten Tomatoes, ‘Dream Scenario’ stands as a testament to Borgli’s storytelling prowess and Cage’s transformative performance.
In an interview with Collider, Nicolas Cage expressed his deep connection to the character of Paul Matthews. Cage noted, “I could put some of my life experience in terms of my emotions into Paul Matthews.” This personal investment adds an extra layer of authenticity to Cage’s portrayal, elevating the character for the audience. Cage emphasized his affinity for films that dare to tell a different kind of story, citing ‘Dream Scenario’ among the five scripts in his 45-year career that compelled him to be part of the project.
Considered a cinematic masterpiece by Cage himself, ‘Dream Scenario’ marks one of the actor’s selective choices in his illustrious career. Cage, who has garnered acclaim for his performances in films like ‘Leaving Las Vegas,’ ‘Vampire’s Kiss,’ ‘Adaptation,’ and ‘Bringing Out the Dead,’ places ‘Dream Scenario’ in this distinguished list of must-do projects. The actor received a BAFTA nomination for Best Actor, solidifying the film’s impact on audiences and critics alike.
The film boasts a stellar ensemble cast featuring Julianne Nicholson as Paul’s wife Janet, Michael Cera, Tim Meadows, Dylan Gelula, Dylan Baker, Kate Berlant, Lily Bird, and more. Produced by Ari Aster and Lars Knudsen under their Square Peg banner, alongside Cage, Jacob Jaffke, and Tyler Campellone, ‘Dream Scenario’ brings together a talented team to deliver a captivating cinematic experience.
As of now, Dream Scenario is not accessible on Netflix. Nevertheless, enthusiasts of dark fantasy films can delve into alternative captivating options to keep themselves entertained. Notably, Crunchyroll and Funimation have secured the rights for the distribution of Dream Scenario in North America.
