DREAMS is the first worst film of the year

DREAMS is the first worst film of the year. A dull, lifeless script with performances that lack any sort of passion or believability. Normally I can give bad films a little grace if they offer just a hint of something creative or redemptive. This one gives us nothing.

Synopsis: A powerful American socialite (Jessica Chastain) and an undocumented Mexican ballet dancer begin a dangerous affair in this tense, erotic drama. | Unrated | 1h 35m

The synopsis is partially correct. Jessica Chastain is in it. But tense and erotic it is not. Throwing in some improvised level sex talk, and making out in a stairwell is not erotic. Especially with two actors who seem as if they just met and have zero chemistry. There is maybe 10-minutes worth of luke-warm intensity. The rest is a trite and boriing film of confusing time jumps and poor directing.

I am not sure why Chastain signed on to do this film. Maybe a gambling debt? Or it is possible that what was on the paper seems liked a good idea, but once the cameras started rolling it came off the rails. I am a fan of Jessica and she was the main draw – which will be the case for most people – but talent only goes so far when faced with the struggle this story has.

It seems that writer/director Michel Franco had a crazy scene in his head that we get in the last 5 minutes of the movie. Yet he had no idea how to get from beginning to end. It is funny when you see all the screen grabs from critics and outlets using words like shocking, stunning, and bold. It is none of those things. Or maybe they were using the terms negatively. Shocking how bad this film is. Bold to actually release such a mess. Who knows.

Normally even with a bad film I say give it a shot once it hits streaming. Sadly this one needs to be passed on all together.

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Matt Mungle

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