Dream Scenario: Nicolas Cage’s First A24 Film Ignored by Oscars
Dream Scenario (2023)
Directed by Kristoffer Borgli
Starring Nicolas Cage, Julianne Nicholson and Jessica Clement
After years of being a mark for A24, it feels like the world has caught up to me. The small studio basically swept the Oscars in 2023, and now I spot kids wearing A24 sweatshirts as they stroll through airports. So, it’s no shocker that Nicolas Cage would take on a role in an A24 film during the third wave of his career renaissance.
I have vivid memories of wearing out my Nirvana Bleach cassette tape just in time for Nevermind to be released on CD. Shortly thereafter, the band exploded onto the global stage with their iconic hit, ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit,’ thanks to an unexpected surge of airplay on MTV. While I was genuinely thrilled for the band’s success, it also left me feeling a bit empty inside. Suddenly, my personal discovery was no longer my secret—it was now shared with the world. That’s kind of how I felt when I saw Nicolas Cage starring in an A24 film.
I’m genuinely pleased for Francis Ford Coppola’s nephew. Cage’s unwavering work ethic and ability to continually reinvent himself are a true testament to his determination and skill. Last year’s meta exploration of stardom, The Unbearable Weight of Massive Talent, was undeniably one of the most enjoyable films of the year. And then there’s his portrayal of Dracula in the somewhat lackluster Renfeld this year—a role that truly allowed him to go ‘full Cage.’ Now, imagine Cage as Paul Matthews, a mild-mannered biology professor who appears in people’s dreams. This adds another intriguing layer to the ever-evolving lore of this great actor.
Dream Scenario begins with an almost perfect setup in its first act. However, as the story unfolds, it takes an unexpected turn—one that I didn’t anticipate but thoroughly enjoyed. Cage’s character serves as an avatar for those out-of-touch, highly educated men who are so self-involved that they find other perspectives utterly alien. We’ve all encountered such individuals, and through Cage’s portrayal, we witness both the humor in their hubris and the underlying sadness of their isolation.
In the film’s final act, we witness the weight of sad isolation, a theme that feels well-deserve
d as Paul continues to misinterpret the gift that has unexpectedly come his way. These dreams, which prominently feature him, become increasingly more disturbing. However, it’s important to note that these unsettling moments are conveyed through descriptions rather than actual scenes in the film. Personally, I appreciated this approach—it allows the “horror” to unfold within the theater of our own minds, rather than relying on tired horror film tropes from the past.
The ending of the film is nearly perfect, leaving a lasting impression. As for Nicolas Cage, I hope he graces us with more opportunities to star in films produced by A24. Even if the younger generation is hip to the brand, this old man doesn’t mind sharing the cinematic experience.