Review of Dreams in Nightmares: Shatara Michelle Ford’s Second Feature is a Therapeutic Blend of Healing and Aesthetics.

      Note: This review was initially published as part of our coverage for the 2024 festival. The film is set to release on August 21, 2026.

      Shatara Michelle Ford’s second feature, Dreams in Nightmares, is a heartfelt Black road trip film brimming with warmth, healing, and beauty. With her debut film, Test Pattern, Ford established herself as a vital new voice in Black cinema, highlighting the experiences and challenges of Black women. In this film, Ford explores similar themes while expanding her lens to include Black femmes, queer love, and non-monogamous relationship dynamics. A balanced blend of comedy and drama, Dreams in Nightmares strikes a tone that is both laid-back and therapeutic.

      After being laid off from her teaching position, Z (Denée Benton) finds herself uncertain about her next steps. What can a creative writing professor do without students? Is teaching genuinely her passion, or is it time for a new direction? Z frequently dreams of a doorway leading into the unknown but always wakes before taking that step. Her supportive partner, Reece (Charlie Barnett), exudes confidence and believes this is the right moment for them to deepen their commitment, encouraging Z to add her name to the deed of their shared home. It all seems too perfect—the relationship, the house, the chance to finally focus on her novel. Yet Z hesitates—Is it the state of the world or her own insecurities holding her back? Perhaps this is the first opportunity she’s had to pause and reflect on her options. Meanwhile, in New York City, her best friend Tasha (Sasha Compère) is also jobless and increasingly anxious about her living arrangement with her unpredictable friend Lauren (Dezi Bing), whom she has been helping financially. Amidst this turmoil, their mutual friend Kel (Mars Storm Rucker) has mysteriously vanished. On a spontaneous decision, Z flies to New York to reunite with her friends and set off on a cross-country road trip to find Kel.

      The narrative unfolds as three Black queer femmes navigate their identities and relationships while moving towards an uncertain future. Issues of economic disparity, anti-trans legislation, inadequate support for the arts, and community disintegration serve as a backdrop to their journey, adding depth to each scene. Each member of the friendship circle has an artistic background—writing, poetry, visual arts, and performance. One standout moment occurs when they attend a poetry reading hosted by a captivating trans poet, who momentarily captures the entire film. Dreams in Nightmares beautifully illustrates the convergence of art, life, and friendship. Despite occasional tensions, the time Z, Tasha, and Lauren share is shown as precious and vital to their artistic pursuits.

      Ford’s evident affection for these characters shines through in every frame. The warmth of their skin, the beauty of their hair, and their affectionate embraces feel revolutionary on the big screen. It has been seven years since Girls Trip—already somewhat dated at its release—and it is refreshing to witness a group of queer Black femmes—varied in gender identity and sexually fluid—experiencing joy together onscreen. The film resonates with the present by realistically portraying the day-to-day struggles of life without unnecessary melodrama or despair. Dreams in Nightmares serves as a distinctly optimistic film for our challenging times.

      Dreams in Nightmares premiered at the BlackStar Film Festival.

      Grade: B+