Dream Scenario (2023)
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2025-09 to 2026-08
A mild-mannered professor's life is upended when he discovers he is a recurring figure in the dreams of thousands of strangers.
The story
Paul, a mild-mannered university professor of evolutionary biology, finds his life thrown into turmoil when he learns that he is a recurring figure in the dreams of many people. After his ex-girlfriend writes an article about the phenomenon, hundreds of strangers come forward to confirm his presence in their subconscious. While Paul initially enjoys the media attention, he becomes frustrated by how he is portrayed in these dreams—often as a passive or unhelpful figure. As the public fascination grows, the complexities of his fame and the strange nature of his recurring role in the collective dreamscape begin to create significant complications for his personal life and professional standing.
Full plot (contains spoilers)
Paul, a professor of evolutionary biology, becomes a sensation after it is revealed he appears in the dreams of many people. While he enjoys the fame, he is troubled by his depiction as a passive figure in these dreams. The situation escalates when his presence in dreams becomes perceived as violent and sadistic, leading to public backlash and his removal from his teaching position. Amidst the chaos, his wife Janet's career is affected, and he faces a series of personal and professional setbacks. Eventually, Paul travels to France for a book tour. He later uses 'dream travel' technology to enter a dream of his wife, where he finds a moment of connection, ultimately wishing the dream were reality.
- First release year
- 2023
- Runtime (minutes)
- 102
- Production countries
- United States
- Original languages
- English
- Directors
- Kristoffer Borgli
- Writers
- Kristoffer Borgli · writer
- Cast and characters
- Nicolas Cage · Paul; Julianne Nicholson; Michael Cera; Tim Meadows; Dylan Gelula; Dylan Baker
- Genres
- surreal; satirical; comedy; drama
- Themes
- fame; identity; subconsciousness
- Tone and mood
- surreal; satirical
- Setting
- A university and surrounding urban environments in the present day.
- Premise and plot tags
- dream; nightmare; education
- Reception
- The film received positive reviews and was cited as a favorite by several prominent filmmakers.
- Reported review scores
- Metacritic · score: 74 · scale: 100 · review count: 47
- Awards and nominations
- Golden Globe Award · Best Actor – Motion Picture Musical or Comedy · nomination
- Production trivia
- Shot on 16mm film; Premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival; Produced by Ari Aster
Film metadata comes from the open sources listed in Credits & Contact. Catalogue details may be incomplete.
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