Italian
A journey of self-discovery in ‘Dreams in Nightmares’
A familiar start with unexpected depth
“Dreams in Nightmares” begins with a premise that feels comfortably familiar: three friends embark on a journey to find a fourth, uncovering new truths about themselves along the way. The film, directed by Shatara Michelle Ford, initially seems to promise a classic American road trip narrative. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Ford’s sophomore film is much more than a simple tale of adventure. Premiering at Philadelphia’s Blackstar Film Festival, the movie defies expectations, delivering a grand and poetic exploration of identity and friendship.
Characters navigating life’s complexities
The film centers on Z (Denée Benton), a university professor, and Tasha (Sasha Compère), a business consultant, both recently laid off from their jobs. To cope with their unemployment, they join their friend Lauren (Dezi Bing), a poet working various odd jobs, on a quest to find their missing friend Kel (Mars Storm Rucker). The four friends, who met in college over a decade ago, share a deep bond rooted in their love for art and their desire for a creative life. They are also all queer, though the film treats this aspect of their identities with a refreshing nonchalance.
Ford’s characters exist in a spectrum of complex situations: some are single and searching for love, others are in warm, loving relationships, while some are navigating contentious, disintegrating ones. Their identities are fluid, not confined by gender presentation or sexual orientation, and their desires are portrayed as healthy and natural.
A political film without proclamations
At its core, “Dreams in Nightmares” is a political film, though it avoids loud proclamations or overt narrative complications. The ever-present danger these characters face due to their identities is subtly woven into the story. Ford skillfully subverts expectations by allowing the characters to simply exist, talk, eat, thrive, love, and express their sexuality. This portrayal is a political act in itself, challenging the way Black people have often been depicted in American cinema.
Ford’s writing and direction are generous towards all characters, even those who might initially seem like objects of ridicule. Some relationships in the film may appear too perfect to be believable, but they serve as aspirational mirrors within the story. Ford’s portrayal is both magnanimous and sharply observant of the societal structures that encroach on the characters’ joy. Presenting an idealistic contrast becomes a necessary narrative choice.
Stellar performances and technical brilliance
Denée Benton anchors the film with a quietly powerful performance, her face conveying a range of emotions with minimal movement. Whether worried on the phone, flirty in a bar, or uncomfortable at a dinner table, Benton creates a complete and compelling portrait of Z. Sasha Compère, as Tasha, balances comedy and desperation with equal skill, while Mars Storm Rucker brings warmth and charm to the role of Kel, the dreamer of the group. Jasmin Savoy Brown, in a smaller role, delivers a standout performance as a character who disrupts the lives of the main quartet with uproarious precision.
The film’s humane writing is complemented by Ludovica Isidor’s glowing cinematography. Ford’s filmmaking has evolved since their debut, “Test Pattern,” with a larger canvas and a more confident, deliberate rhythm. The use of thumping music to convey urgency and languid camera movements to capture details in the frame are expected yet effective techniques. Additionally, the film includes unconventional elements like actors looking directly at the camera and fantastical interstitials, adding a dreamlike quality to the viewing experience.
A treatise on living a fulfilling life
Ultimately, “Dreams in Nightmares” is a meditation on living a fulfilling life—one that is creative, artistic, and built on supportive friendships and family. The film acknowledges the challenges of achieving this ideal but remains earnest in its portrayal of such a life as attainable. While it may be difficult to replicate in reality, the film offers a wondrous vision of what could be.
For those interested in exploring this cinematic gem, you can watch the trailer for Dreams in Nightmares and delve deeper into its artistic and emotional depths.
