Dream Scenario (15)
Directed by Kristoffer Borgli

NICHOLAS CAGE becomes the man of people’s dreams in this deliciously dark and twisted comedy which explores the insidiousness of fame and cancel culture in modern society. 
 
A barely recognisable Cage plays hapless family man and college professor Paul Matthews, who becomes famous overnight when he starts appearing in millions of strangers’ dreams merely as a harmless observer. His life is upended by this sudden notoriety which, although he finds it flattering initially, takes a disturbing turn when these same people start having nightmares about him. 
 
Cage, in one of his most understated performances to date, gives a pitch perfect turn as an ordinary man who goes from being elated and revered nationwide to being vilified in a hilarious yet horrifying tale, impressively directed in his English language debut by Norwegian writer/director Kristoffer Borgli (Sick of Myself). 
 
Borgli and Cage find a fine balance between comedy and horror as the film chronicles Paul’s rise and sinister fall. It is both heartbreaking and terrifying to watch as his life spirals out of control, people take against him and he has done nothing wrong. 
 
The film takes a satirical look at Paul’s 15 minutes of fame. It is hilarious but also horrifying as it examines our penchant for building people up and then tearing them down. 
 
Cage, who is in a genre of his own, is absolutely magnificent as the thoughtful, inconspicuous and good guy who slowly loses his mind, his livelihood and his family and, by the final act, becomes unhinged. 
 
It is a masterclass portrayal and a fascinating depiction of mass hysteria, as well as an insight into the perilous influence of social media and the darker side of modern-day life. There is a rather awkward (yet hysterical) scene in which Paul meets up with a young woman who wants him to re-enact the sex dream she had about him. It is a car crash, and even though you want to, you just can’t look away. 
 
Borgli shows once more that he is an exciting filmmaker who pushes the boundaries while Cage proves once again both his versatility and comic chops. 

Out in cinemas today