Attempting to fit numerous elements and concepts into a single film often results in something unclear and confusing, regardless of the filmmaker’s intentions. However, writer-director Kristoffer Borgli largely succeeds when trying to handle such an ambitious undertaking with his third feature. This unusual story about a tenured but undervalued university professor (Nicolas Cage) takes audiences on a journey through various aspects of fame, metaphysics, cancel culture, intense group mentality, suppressed desires, and the negative repercussions that come with them. All this happens when the middle-aged protagonist inexplicably starts appearing in the dreams of many people, including those he doesn’t know. This strange dreamlike occurrence – an inventive metaphor for one's presence online and in the public sphere – quickly turns him into a viral sensation, initially met with admiration but soon leading to scorn and isolation. He becomes more than just yesterday's news; he transforms into the target of a campaign involving cancel culture, hateful comments, and complete rejection. And, ironically, it all originates from something he never sought or requested in its ultimate form. From this description, it might seem like the filmmaker has crammed too much material into the story for viewers to grasp, and there are moments (particularly during the last thirty minutes) when that argument could be made. Nevertheless, while telling this allegorical fable, the director manages to keep the narrative’s ideas separate and relevant to emphasize his message: a strong warning about where we've collectively arrived as a society regarding these potentially harmful practices and trends. These are important lessons that need to be heard but often aren’t due to all the distractions preventing us from understanding what’s truly important. Despite its serious subject matter, “Dream Scenario” is genuinely funny, with many laugh-out-loud moments, plus strong performances across the board (particularly Cage and Michael Cera as a shallow, self-centered brand manager), supported by skillful editing and carefully chosen shots that enhance the atmosphere of various scenes. The script is generally well-written, although it does wander from its strongest elements in the final act, and there are a few violent sequences that sensitive viewers should be aware of. Overall, this is the kind of film that deserves to be made more often in an era where many people have lost touch with reason and themselves. Perhaps watching something like this could help us all pause, reflect, and get back on course while we still can.

Source on TMDB