Dreams (2025)

In 2025, the drama “Dreams” by director Michel Franco, whose name is often associated with poignant and uncompromising stories of human passions and vices, will be released. The new film, judging by the synopsis, continues this tradition, immersing the viewer in a world of difficult choices, shattered illusions, and the bitter reality hidden behind an elusive dream. This picture promises to be a deep exploration of ambitions, relationships, and the price one has to pay for striving for a different life.

Plot (no spoilers)

“Dreams” tells the story of Fernando, a talented young dancer from Mexico, who lives with a single hope – to build a new life and achieve recognition in the United States. Driven not only by professional ambitions but also by feelings for Jennifer, a wealthy American philanthropist, Fernando is convinced that she will be the key to his bright future. Secretly, risking everything, he crosses the border, taking a desperate step towards his dream. However, when Fernando finally finds Jennifer in San Francisco, his appearance disrupts her established and comfortable world. The woman, whose position and lifestyle do not imply public acknowledgment of a secret lover from another world, turns out to be unprepared for this meeting. The conflict between her habit of privacy and Fernando's desperate hope becomes the central engine of the dramatic narrative.

Why you should watch it

• Michel Franco's Direction: Known for his ability to create tense, psychologically profound dramas, Franco can delve into the very essence of human nature, offering viewers not just a story, but also a reason for serious reflection. His films often provoke discomfort to make the audience confront uncomfortable truths.
• Strong Ensemble Cast: Julio Bernal is announced in the role of Fernando and Jessica Chastain as Jennifer. The presence of masters like Rupert Friend and Mercedes Hernández promises multifaceted acting and deep character development, whose internal conflicts will be conveyed with particular expressiveness.
• Topical Relevance: The film addresses pressing social issues of migration, class inequality, unfulfilled hopes, and cultural clashes. This makes it not just an artistic work, but also an important commentary on contemporary reality.
• Intense Dramaturgy: The basis of the plot is a dramatic clash of expectations and reality, love and pragmatism, sincerity and hypocrisy. This internal struggle promises to keep the viewer in emotional suspense throughout the film.
• Deep Character Analysis: The film offers an examination of the ambiguous motivations of both main characters – Fernando's desperate resolve and Jennifer's complex choice, which allows for an exploration of their moral dilemmas without black-and-white judgments.

Themes

At the heart of “Dreams” lie several key themes, making the film multi-layered and relevant. First and foremost, it is the painful clash of the American dream with a harsh reality, where not everyone is given a place in the sun. The film explores the illusions people create for themselves and how they shatter against pragmatism and social barriers. The theme of class and cultural inequality manifests in the relationship between Fernando and Jennifer, revealing the chasm between their worlds. Betrayal, egoism, and self-preservation, as well as moral compromises for the sake of maintaining one's status – all of this will be thoroughly examined through the prism of personal drama.

Verdict

Michel Franco's “Dreams” is not just a story about love and ambitions; it is a harsh but honest look at modern society and the personal tragedies that unfold within it. The film promises to be a bold and uncompromising drama, capable of evoking strong emotions and prompting reflection on the price of dreams and the fragility of human relationships. Recommended for viewing to anyone who appreciates arthouse cinema, is not afraid of complex themes, and is ready for a deep emotional immersion. Prepare for a journey that will leave behind not only questions but, perhaps, new answers about the nature of human desires.