Film Review – Dreams (2025)

      Dreams, 2025.

      Written and directed by Michel Franco.

      Featuring Jessica Chastain, Isaac Hernández, Rupert Friend, Marshall Bell, Eligio Meléndez, and Mercedes Hernández.

      SYNOPSIS:

      A romance develops between a wealthy socialite and a Mexican ballet dancer, merging their differing lives and cultures. Following the outstanding Memory from 2023, Mexican writer-director Michel Franco's second project with Jessica Chastain takes on a more cynical tone, highlighting the selfish ambitions of the affluent elite and the hypocritical liberalism they often disguise themselves with.

      Chastain portrays Jennifer, a rich philanthropist based in San Francisco, who dedicates her time and resources to supporting her family’s arts foundation, including a ballet school in Mexico City. She embarks on a relationship with talented dancer Fernando (Isaac Hernández), a connection she discreetly conceals from her brother Jake (Rupert Friend) and, more critically, her father Michael (Marshall Bell), the provider of her wealth and privileged lifestyle.

      Dreams begins powerfully, with screams echoing from a truck loaded with migrants crossing the border, as we see Fernando make his way to San Francisco with just the clothes on his back. He arrives at Jennifer's home, enters, and they immediately engage in a passionate encounter. While this makes for a compelling start, the film struggles to maintain momentum thereafter.

      Fernando expects an open relationship in the US, while it becomes evident that Jennifer prefers he remain in Mexico. She is acutely aware of how such a relationship could impact her public persona and is more interested in Fernando as a handsome secret to visit in Mexico for her own desires. His presence in San Francisco disrupts her control over the situation as she attempts to balance her sexual cravings with the necessity of guarding her image.

      The film's straightforward narrative tackles numerous pressing societal issues, particularly concerning US-Mexican relations, immigration, and border security. It raises the question of whether Fernando's journey across the border is worth it; does a better life in the US truly exist? Is the notion of the American Dream as appealing as it seems?

      The narrative delves into class conflict, contentious age gaps in relationships, and shifting power dynamics, with both Jennifer and Fernando experiencing varying degrees of dominance, each capable of cruelty when provoked. However, it tries to cover too much ground, lacking a cohesive and meaningful outcome.

      Partly, this is due to Dreams being as subtle as a sledgehammer; its themes lack nuance, and its political commentary is oversimplified. Additionally, the premise feels overly familiar, as this isn't the first story depicting a wealthy woman falling for a poorer man against her family's wishes.

      Franco’s signature reserved and authentic style, which lacks cinematic flourishes and original score, does not benefit the film in this case. It comes across as cold and detached. Furthermore, both Jennifer and Fernando are unlikable characters, making it hard for viewers to connect with them, and the lack of chemistry between Chastain and newcomer Hernández (who both deliver strong performances individually) exacerbates the issue. The explicit sex scenes feel excessive and awkward, failing to add any emotional depth to the film’s portrayal of its subjects.

      In its concluding 15 minutes, the film really begins to unravel. Following a surprisingly shocking plot twist, it takes an abrupt turn that might leave audiences disoriented; a plot device meant to provoke shock, but it doesn't integrate with the film's themes as smoothly as Franco intends. The controversial ending may find some supporters, but it will likely leave many viewers confused.

      Dreams does have its strengths. Chastain is outstanding as ever, Hernández shows promise as a significant talent, Rupert Friend stands out as Jake, and the opening sequence is genuinely engaging. However, overall, the film feels cold and devoid of emotion, mirroring its characters, and it falls short of being as clever and insightful as it perceives itself to be.

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

      Dan Barnes