In a departure from the gruff violent characters that Nicolas Cage has embraced lately, he goes soft as a quiet professor and balding family man. Out of nowhere, his character starts appearing in other people’s dreams, which progresses to the point that his own life turns into a nightmare. Cage’s gentle persona is a pleasing change, creating a sweet character peppered with humorous moments. This starts as an amusing sci-fi tale, but develops a satirical edge, including topical subjects like Gen Z’s sensitivity and cancel culture. Some of the social observations may ring even more ironic given than this film was written/directed by a Norwegian filmmaker (Kristoffer Borgli). Rising above the social commentary in this subtle sci-fi scenario is the kind of performance from Cage that earned him his reputation as a talented and versatile actor. 
(3.5 / 5)
