Dream Scenario Movie: Nicolas Cage’s Surreal A24 Collaboration

Dream Scenario: Uniting the Cinematic Powerhouses of Nicolas Cage and A24

Surprisingly, A24 and the acclaimed actor Nicolas Cage have never collaborated before. However, this is about to change with the much-anticipated Dream Scenario, marking Cage’s first venture with the Academy Award-winning indie production company. Not long ago, Cage, himself an Oscar-winning talent, found himself in a lull in his career, starring in a series of low-budget, straight-to-video productions that hardly did justice to his caliber as an actor. Fortunately, the tides have turned in recent years, with Cage receiving universal acclaim for his compelling performances. His emotionally charged portrayal in Pig, his satirical and stereotype-defying role in The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, and his delightfully sinister performance as the villain in Renfield have all contributed to his career resurgence.

This resurgence, however, owes much to Cage’s forays into the realm of existential horror. Notably, Mandy and Color Out of Space exemplify this, both films offering surreal and enigmatic experiences that have garnered dedicated cult followings. These films find a natural fit within the repertoire of A24, a production company that has already had a stellar year, boasting titles like Beau Is Afraid, a chillingly nightmarish delight, and Talk to Me, a refreshingly human and uniquely original ghost story.

The partnership between Nicolas Cage and A24 appears to be a match made in cinematic heaven, with Dream Scenario poised to be the perfect project to unite these two creative powerhouses. For those eager to know more about the cast, director, release date, and other details surrounding this dark comedy, here’s a comprehensive overview of everything we know so far about Dream Scenario.

When Is ‘Dream Scenario’ Coming Out?

Nicolas Cage and A24 are poised to witness the culmination of their long-cherished aspiration as Dream Scenario is set to grace the big screens this fall on November 10, 2023. The much-anticipated film had its grand debut on September 9 at the prestigious 2023 Toronto International Film Festival, receiving a warm reception from critics worldwide. Ross Bonaime from Collider bestowed a respectable B rating, expressing in his critique,

“Even though Borgli’s career has been relatively short, it’s bonkers ideas like this that make him a filmmaker to truly be excited about for the future. And even though Cage has always done great work, these last few years have been a testament to his brilliance, and Dream Scenario certainly adds to the lineup of quality roles he’s gotten to sink his teeth into recently.”

Where Can You Watch ‘Dream Scenario’?

Rest assured, for those worried that only a select few at TIFF had the opportunity to catch a glimpse of the film, A24 has officially confirmed that Dream Scenario will exclusively debut in theaters on November 10.

Although known for their focus on lower budget and more specialized projects, A24 has consistently shown a strong commitment to theatrical releases, and this dedication has not been without merit. Everything Everywhere All at Once not only enjoyed substantial success at the box office but also secured numerous Academy Award victories. Similarly, Talk to Me exceeded expectations, garnering enough attention to warrant the green light for a sequel. While any plans for a streaming release of Dream Scenario are yet to be disclosed, it appears to be a possibility on the horizon.

Is There a Trailer for ‘Dream Scenario’?

A24 unveiled the initial trailer for Dream Scenario on September 19, accompanied by the resonant melody of The Cranberries’ “Dreams.” The trailer offers a glimpse into the film’s distinctive humor, interwoven with snippets of accolades from critics, thereby generating excitement for the upcoming release.

Who’s In the ‘Dream Scenario’ Cast?

Nicolas Cage is set to headline the upcoming feature film Dream Scenario, underscoring his remarkable acting prowess. Renowned for his dedicated performances, the esteemed actor, known for his role in Face-Off, continues to prove his mettle time and again. Excitement amplifies with the addition of The Adults’ Michael Cera, who recently made waves with his memorable portrayal as Allan in Barbie, reemerging in the public eye.

Joining this stellar cast is the talented Julianne Nicholson, celebrated for her Emmy-winning performance in Mare of Easttown. The film also boasts appearances by Dylan Baker from Hunters and Tim Meadows from The Goldbergs, adding further depth to the ensemble.

Enriching the narrative even more are Dylan Gelula from Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt, Kate Berlant from Sorry to Bother You, Lily Gao from Slip, Noah Lamanna from Star Trek: Strange New Worlds, Krista Bridges from Narc, Paula Boudreau from Doc, Marnie McPhail from The Edison Twins, Kaleb Horn from The Kid Detective, and Sofia Banzhaf from Closet Monster. This star-studded lineup promises an engaging and dynamic cinematic experience for audiences.

What’s the Plot of ‘Dream Scenario’?

In an unexpected turn, the proposal for the upcoming film hints at Nicolas Cage embodying the character of Professor Paul Matthews. Portraying a solitary figure with minimal human connections, Paul’s life takes a sharp twist as he inexplicably appears in the dreams of various unrelated individuals. Puzzled by the surreal phenomenon, the college professor launches a quest to unravel the mystery, delving into the intricacies of the human subconscious. While leaning towards sci-fi or fantasy, the film’s classification as a horror comedy hints at unanswered queries that Paul might have preferred to leave dormant, adding an eerie allure to the narrative.

The official plot synopsis for the film reads:

Hapless family man Paul Matthews (Nicolas Cage) finds his life turned upside down when millions of strangers suddenly start seeing him in their dreams. But when his nighttime appearances take a nightmarish turn, Paul is forced to navigate his newfound stardom, in this wickedly entertaining comedy from writer-director Kristoffer Borgli (Sick of Myself) and producer Ari Aster.

Who’s Making ‘Dream Scenario’?

Dream Scenario is directed and written by emerging filmmaker Kristoffer Borgli, known for his acclaimed horror film, Sick of Myself. Despite not being a household name yet, the film is produced by the renowned Ari Aster, celebrated for works like Hereditary and Midsommar. The project boasts a talented crew, including cinematographer Benjamin Loeb (Pieces of a Woman), production designer Zosia Mackenzie (Infinity Pool), art directors John O’Regan (Firestarter) and Brittany Morrison (Possessor), and costume designer Natalie Bronfman (The Handmaid’s Tale). This collaboration promises a captivating cinematic experience.

When Was ‘Dream Scenario’ Filmed?

Dream Scenario” was captured on film during the December of 2022, confirmed by revealing set snapshots shared by Kristoffer Borgli. These intriguing images shed a new perspective on Cage’s role in the production. Despite the team’s evident dedication and enthusiasm, specific details regarding the enigmatic plot of the film remain shrouded in mystery. Take a glimpse at the captivating images below:

Quick summary

• Nicolas Cage’s Career Resurgence: Despite facing a career lull, renowned actor Nicolas Cage has recently regained acclaim for his compelling performances, including notable roles in films like “Pig” and “The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent,” leading to heightened anticipation for his latest project, “Dream Scenario.”
• A24’s Stellar Track Record: A24, the esteemed indie production company, has established a reputation for producing innovative and successful films such as “Beau Is Afraid” and “Talk to Me,” hinting at a promising collaboration with Cage in the upcoming dark comedy, “Dream Scenario.”
• Anticipated Release and Reception: Set to debut on November 10, 2023, “Dream Scenario” has already generated excitement following its warm reception at the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival. Critics have praised the film’s intriguing storyline and Cage’s exceptional portrayal, setting the stage for a highly anticipated theatrical release.
• Creative Team and Plot Teasers: “Dream Scenario” is helmed by director Kristoffer Borgli and producer Ari Aster, promising a captivating cinematic experience with a blend of horror and comedy. The film’s plot, revolving around the mysterious appearances of Nicolas Cage’s character in people’s dreams, hints at an engaging and enigmatic narrative, leaving audiences eagerly awaiting its release.