Dream Scenario

Plot summary

The narrative follows Paul Matthews, an unremarkable professor of evolutionary biology at a local university who is first seen in a dream by his teenage daughter Sophie. After a chance encounter, his ex-girlfriend Claire, a journalist, informs Paul that he has been appearing in her dreams and writes an article about the phenomenon. This triggers a wave of reports from hundreds of strangers who all see Paul in their dreams, though he is consistently passive and uninteresting in these nocturnal appearances. Paul initially enjoys the minor celebrity and media attention but becomes frustrated by his dream persona's lack of agency. His frustration deepens when he learns from students that in some dreams, disasters occur while he remains an emotionless bystander.

Paul's domestic life with his wife Janet becomes strained as she wonders why he never appears in her dreams, describing a fantasy of him rescuing her while wearing an oversized suit like David Byrne in the 1984 concert film Stop Making Sense. The darker side of his involuntary fame emerges when a mentally ill man, inspired by his dreams of Paul, breaks into the Matthews' home with a knife, raising concerns about the risks of his fame. Seeking to capitalize on his notoriety, Paul meets with a public relations firm which proposes he endorse Sprite on social media instead of securing a book deal. During this meeting, a young assistant named Molly reveals she has erotic dreams about him, leading to an awkward and humiliating encounter at her apartment. Paul's situation deteriorates further when his presence in dreams suddenly turns violent and sadistic, transforming him into a public villain.

As a result of the nightmare shift, Paul is placed on leave from the university, faces public hostility including a brawl in a diner, and sees his wife's career affected. After refusing to issue a public apology, Paul has a nightmare of being hunted and killed by a version of himself wielding a crossbow and subsequently releases a self-pitying apology video. Janet throws him out of their home, and a subsequent incident at his daughter's school play where he accidentally injures a teacher cements his pariah status. The film jumps forward in time to reveal that Paul has stopped appearing in dreams altogether, and the shared subconscious phenomenon he triggered has been commercialized into an advertising space through dream travel technology. Separated from Janet, Paul travels to France for a poorly attended book tour where his work has been retitled Je suis ton cauchemar (I Am Your Nightmare) without his consent. In the final scene, Paul uses the dream travel technology to enter one of Janet's dreams and rescue her while wearing an oversized suit, before floating away and wishing the dream were reality.

Production details

Dream Scenario was announced by the independent studio A24 in August 2022 with its principal cast confirmed. The film brought together notable producers including horror filmmaker Ari Aster through his Square Peg banner, alongside Lars Knudsen and star Nicolas Cage. Principal photography took place entirely in Toronto, Ontario, commencing in October 2022 and wrapping that November, making it a significant Canadian production location. Cinematographer Benjamin Loeb shot the film on analogue 16 mm film using the Arriflex 416 Plus camera, a choice that gave the visuals a distinct, textured quality. The footage was later transferred to a 4k digital intermediate during post production, which was handled by writer director Kristoffer Borgli who also served as the film's editor. The production process emphasized a specific visual style to blur the lines between dream and reality, a technical challenge met by the crew.

The film was shot on analogue 16 mm film with an Arriflex 416 Plus camera. Principal photography took place in Toronto and was completed in November 2022. The production was later transferred to a 4k digital intermediate in postproduction. The film was written, directed, and edited by Kristoffer Borgli.

• Announcement date: August 2022 by A24.
• Filming location: Toronto, Ontario, Canada.
• Filming period: October 2022 to November 2022.
• Film format: Analogue 16 mm (Super 16) film.
• Camera used: Arriflex 416 Plus.
• Post production format: 4k digital intermediate.
• Editor: Kristoffer Borgli.
• Cinematographer: Benjamin Loeb.

The film was shot on analogue 16 mm film. Principal photography commenced in Toronto in October 2022. The movie was written, directed, and edited by Kristoffer Borgli. The film uses Toronto as a setting.

Release and distribution strategy

Dream Scenario had its world premiere as the opening film of the Platform Prize program at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2023. Its theatrical release in the United States was handled by A24, beginning with a limited engagement on November 10, 2023, before expanding to more screens on November 22. For Canadian audiences, alongside New Zealand and Australia, distribution rights were acquired by the Toronto based company VVS Films. The film achieved a global box office gross of $12.4 million against its production budget, performing solidly within the independent film market. Its release strategy capitalized on the festival buzz and critical praise to build word of mouth during the autumn season. The film's journey from festival darling to wider theatrical release followed a classic model for acclaimed indie films aiming for both artistic recognition and commercial viability.

Dream Scenario premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival on September 9, 2023. A24 released the film in the United States with a limited release on November 10, 2023. The release was expanded on November 22, 2023. Distribution in Canada was handled by VVS Films.

1. September 9, 2023: World premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF).
2. November 10, 2023: Limited theatrical release in the United States by A24.
3. November 22, 2023: Expanded theatrical release in the United States.
4. Distributor in Canada: VVS Films.
5. Additional distributor territories: New Zealand and Australia (VVS Films).
6. Final global box office gross: $12.4 million.

Dream Scenario premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. It had a limited theatrical release in November 2023. The film was distributed in Canada by VVS Films. The film was the opening film in the Platform Prize program at TIFF.

Critical reception and reviews

Dream Scenario was met with widespread critical acclaim, particularly for Nicolas Cage's performance and Kristoffer Borgli's original screenplay. On the review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds a 91% positive rating based on 233 critic reviews, with an average score of 7.5 out of 10. The site's critical consensus highlights Cage's work and the film's commentary on the fickle nature of pop culture fame. Metacritic assigned the film a weighted average score of 74 out of 100 based on 47 reviews, indicating generally favourable reception. Many reviews noted the film's clever blending of surreal comedy with sharp social satire about modern celebrity. The critical response solidified the film's reputation as one of the more intellectually engaging comedies of the year, with many critics praising its unique premise.

Several prominent critics published detailed analyses of the film's themes and execution. Kyle Smith of The Wall Street Journal called it a bold statement that would make a name for Borgli, while Peter Bradshaw of The Guardian described it as a very enjoyable and smart film about the uncanny experience of fame. Peter Debruge of Variety noted that Borgli shoots the dreams no different from the waking moments, creating a kind of mind game for audiences who must determine what is real or imagined. The film was also celebrated by fellow filmmakers, with directors including Joe Dante, Chloe Domont, Chad Hartigan, Matt Johnson and Karyn Kusama all citing Dream Scenario as among their favourite films of 2023. This peer recognition from within the industry highlighted the film's creative impact on other storytellers.

Some criticism focused on the film's ambitious narrative scope and third act. Jeannette Catsoulis of The New York Times wrote that the film is often funny and frequently surreal but said that Borgli had more ideas than space to execute them, leading to a third act that feels overloaded and indecisive. Catsoulis also wrote that the erotic scene between Paul and Molly could make you want to put your eyes out. Ann Hornaday of The Washington Post wrote that the film was a clever, adroitly executed taxonomy of contemporary fame but followed up with criticism of the screenwriting, wishing Borgli would keep his focus on the marriage. Despite these notes, the overall reception positioned Dream Scenario as one of the most discussed and acclaimed indie films of 2023.

Cast and key characters

The ensemble cast is led by Nicolas Cage in the central role of Paul Matthews, a professor who becomes an involuntary celebrity. Julianne Nicholson plays Janet Matthews, Paul's wife whose career and marriage are impacted by his sudden fame. Michael Cera appears as a representative from the public relations firm that attempts to manage Paul's image. Tim Meadows takes on the role of the dean of the university where Paul teaches, reacting to the escalating situation. Dylan Gelula portrays Molly, the young PR firm assistant whose erotic dreams about Paul lead to an awkward encounter. Dylan Baker plays a former colleague of Paul's whose professional success becomes a point of contention. The supporting cast also includes Kate Berlant and other actors who populate the film's surreal world of dreams and reality. Each actor contributes to the film's balance of mundane reality and escalating absurdity, creating a cohesive ensemble.

The film stars Nicolas Cage as Paul Matthews. Julianne Nicholson, Michael Cera, Tim Meadows, Dylan Gelula, and Dylan Baker also star in the film. The cast was announced by A24 in August 2022. Nicolas Cage is a mild-mannered university professor in the film.

• Nicolas Cage as Professor Paul Matthews.
• Julianne Nicholson as Janet Matthews, Paul's wife.
• Michael Cera as a PR firm representative.
• Tim Meadows as the university dean.
• Dylan Gelula as Molly, the PR assistant.
• Dylan Baker as Paul's former colleague.
• Kate Berlant in a supporting role.

Nicolas Cage stars as Paul Matthews. Julianne Nicholson plays his wife Janet. The film features a supporting cast including Michael Cera and Tim Meadows. Nicolas Cage was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for his performance.

Themes and cultural analysis

The film explores how an individual can become globally recognized for something entirely passive and outside their control, mirroring the experience of modern influencers and meme subjects. Paul's initial enjoyment of the attention quickly sours as he realizes he has no authorship over his public persona, a commentary on the loss of personal identity in the digital age. The narrative also examines the fickleness of public opinion, demonstrating how adoration can rapidly turn to hatred based on perceived changes in behaviour, even when those changes are involuntary and subconscious. This cycle reflects the accelerated news and social media cycles that define contemporary fame and cancel culture.

A secondary but crucial theme is the commercialization of human experience, culminating in the film's depiction of dream travel technology used for advertising. This plot development suggests a critique of corporate encroachment into the most private fields of human consciousness, turning dreams into a marketable commodity. The film also examines marital dynamics under stress, particularly through Janet's perspective as she handles her husband's bizarre public downfall and her own unmet fantasies. Borgli uses the surreal premise to ask substantive questions about reality, perception, and the longing for heroic agency in an ordinary life, ultimately leaving the audience to ponder the boundaries between dreams and waking life. The film's conclusion, where Paul actively authors a dream, suggests a yearning for control in a world where individuals are often merely subjects of larger forces beyond their understanding.

Accolades and recognition

Dream Scenario received several award nominations following its release, recognizing its creative achievements. The most prominent nomination was a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for Nicolas Cage's performance. This nomination highlighted the critical appreciation for Cage's nuanced portrayal of a man grappling with absurd fame. The film's selection as the opening film for the Platform Prize program at the Toronto International Film Festival also served as a mark of distinction. While the film did not win the Golden Globe, the nomination solidified its place in the 2023 awards conversation and brought further attention to Borgli's unique directorial vision. The recognition from both critics and industry peers affirmed the film's quality and impact within the independent film sector.

The film received positive reviews from critics. Nicolas Cage was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor. Several filmmakers cited it as a favourite film of 2023. The film has a high score on review aggregator websites.

• Golden Globe Award nomination: Best Actor, Motion Picture Musical or Comedy (Nicolas Cage).
• Toronto International Film Festival 2023: Opening film of the Platform Prize program.
• Included in the favourite films of 2023 lists by filmmakers Joe Dante, Chloe Domont, Chad Hartigan, Matt Johnson and Karyn Kusama.

Nicolas Cage was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for the film. Filmmakers like Joe Dante and Chloe Domont cited it as a favourite of 2023. The film received generally favourable reviews from critics. The film is a surreal satirical comedy drama.

Box office and financial performance

The film achieved a global box office gross of $12.4 million, a respectable figure for an independent surreal comedy with a mid level budget. Released by A24 in the United States and VVS Films in Canada, the film had a limited theatrical release beginning in November 2023 before expanding. Its financial performance was considered solid for an independent surreal comedy with a mid level budget, covering its costs and likely turning a modest profit. The release strategy involved a platform model, starting in a limited number of theatres to build critical momentum before a wider expansion. This approach is common for films relying on strong reviews and word of mouth rather than broad commercial appeal. The final gross reflects the film's ability to find an audience interested in its unique premise and star performance despite not being a mainstream blockbuster, securing its place as a cult success.

The film grossed 12.4 million dollars at the box office. On Rotten Tomatoes, 91 percent of 233 critics' reviews are positive. Metacritic assigned the film a score of 74 out of 100. The film was distributed by A24 in the United States.

Questions about Dream Scenario

Where was Dream Scenario filmed?

Dream Scenario was filmed entirely in Toronto, Ontario. Principal photography took place over the course of October and November 2022, utilizing the city as the setting for the film's suburban and academic environments. The production did not shoot on location at a specific university but used various Toronto locations to create the film's world. The use of Toronto continues a tradition of American films utilizing Canadian cities for their production bases, providing economic and logistical benefits to the local film industry.

Who distributed Dream Scenario in Canada?

In Canada, Dream Scenario was distributed by VVS Films, a Toronto based distribution company. VVS Films also handled the release in New Zealand and Australia, while A24 managed the United States release. The film premiered in Canada at the Toronto International Film Festival in September 2023 before its wider theatrical rollout. This split distribution is common for films financed by American studios but with significant Canadian production elements or market appeal, ensuring local audiences have access to the film.

What is the Rotten Tomatoes score for Dream Scenario?

Dream Scenario holds a 91% approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes based on 233 critic reviews, with an average rating of 7.5 out of 10. The website's consensus reads that viewers should come for career-highlight work from Nicolas Cage and leave mulling over everything it has to say about pop culture's fickle whims. On Metacritic, it has a score of 74 out of 100, indicating generally favourable reviews. These scores are considered excellent for a genre bending comedy and contributed significantly to the film's positive reputation upon release.

Did Dream Scenario win any awards?

Dream Scenario was nominated for a Golden Globe Award for Best Actor in a Motion Picture Musical or Comedy for Nicolas Cage. While it did not win that award, the nomination was a significant accolade. The film was also honoured by its selection to open the Platform Prize program at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival. Several prominent filmmakers cited it as one of their favourite films of the year, providing a form of peer recognition that often carries weight within the industry.

Who directed and wrote Dream Scenario?

Dream Scenario was written, directed and edited by Norwegian filmmaker Kristoffer Borgli. This marked his second feature film following 2022's Sick of Myself and his first major English language production. Borgli also collaborated with cinematographer Benjamin Loeb and producers including Ari Aster to realize his vision. His control over the script, direction and final edit resulted in a cohesive and distinctly personal film that bears his unique comedic and stylistic signature.

What is the box office performance of Dream Scenario?

Dream Scenario grossed approximately $12.4 million at the global box office. Released by A24 in the United States and VVS Films in Canada, the film had a limited theatrical release beginning in November 2023 before expanding. Its financial performance was considered solid for an independent surreal comedy with a mid level budget. The film's earnings, combined with its critical success and award nomination, made it a notable entry in the 2023 indie film landscape, demonstrating that original concepts can still find an audience.

Sources and further reading

• Dream Scenario (Wikipedia)
• Dream Scenario (rottentomatoes.com)
• Dream Scenario (2023) - Letterboxd (letterboxd.com)
• Dream Scenario (primevideo.com)
• DREAM SCENARIO (themoviespoiler.com)

Checked by the Yadude Books desk. Last updated 2026-11-06.