Dream! - Review of the 2025 Raindance Film Festival

      Dream!, 2025.

      Directed by Paul Spurrier.

      Featuring Amata Masmalai, Vithaya Pansringarm, Chomphupak Poonpol, Adam Kaokept, and Sahajak Boonthanakit.

      SYNOPSIS:

      A recently orphaned child embarks on a solitary journey to find a new home and family, leading her through various adventures across Thailand.

      At the outset of Paul and Jiriya Spurrier’s delightful musical feature film, I found myself pondering a question I never expected to ask: “Why doesn’t Father Christmas visit Thailand?”

      This inquiry prompts the newly orphaned Lek (Amata Masmalai) to reflect on many aspects of her short life. Fleeing the nightmare of her mother’s murder by her malicious uncle, she ventures into the stunning Thai countryside in search of a new home and family.

      The film’s impressive production is highlighted by 18 original songs performed by the Siam Sinfonietta youth orchestra. Lek’s vocals are contributed by Victoria Woodman, who serves as the film’s musical heart. As a musical, the songs are expertly crafted, but the visual elements are equally significant, with some shots of the Thai landscapes being truly breathtaking.

      The production offers a distinctive atmosphere, occasionally showcasing unsettling imagery. In a particularly moving moment, the ghost of Lek’s mother encourages her to venture far away. Following this advice, Lek carries her lucky doll Bella with her on her journey. She encounters a series of adventures, including a lonely wealthy girl yearning for companionship, a wise homeless traveler who has opted out of society, and a miraculous medicine man who may not be what he appears.

      I thoroughly enjoyed Dream! largely due to its clear vision. Lek is determined to seek acceptance and a loving home but is uncertain about where, or if, she can find it. The songs, performed at each new turning point in this fable-like narrative, are well-crafted and often humorous, sprinkled with surreal elements.

      The vibrant visuals and well-executed choreography remind me of Studio Ghibli animations, which makes perfect sense to me. This live-action musical is animated in the most uplifting way through song and dance, successfully conveying a sense of seasonal goodwill that feels original at any time of year. Even during a summer heatwave, the quest for meaning and a home, inspired by the spirit of Christmas, resonates perfectly.

      A delightful musical sprinkled with memorable eccentricities, Dream! is definitely worth staying awake for.

      Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★

      Robert W Monk