Dreamland: A Tale of Escape and Disillusionment in the American West
In the desolate landscapes of the American West, young Eugene Baker (Finn Cole) yearns for a life beyond the dust storms and barren fields. His father’s departure for Mexico in search of fortune has fueled Eugene’s own dreams of escaping to the ocean shores. While his stern stepfather (Travis Fimmel) pressures him to find work, Eugene escapes into pulp novels filled with gangsters and adventurers. His world is turned upside down by the arrival of Allison Wells (Margot Robbie), a wounded bank robber seeking refuge in the family’s abandoned barn.
Scene from “Dreamland”
An Unlikely Alliance
Despite the $10,000 bounty on her head – a fortune that could save his family from debt – Eugene decides to help Allison. It’s not just the promise of more money that motivates him, but a deep-seated belief that “somewhere out there” life must be better. As the film’s narrator, Eugene’s older sister, reveals, his actions are driven by a naive hope, a yearning for something more than the harsh reality he knows.
Finn Cole as Eugene Evans in “Dreamland”
Escapism and the Allure of the West
“Dreamland” explores the timeless theme of adolescent escapism, a desire that predates the internet and video games. The untamed West becomes a symbol of escape, a place where people chase dreams of a better life, often finding only disappointment. Director Miles Joris-Peyrafitte cleverly connects this yearning for a promised land with Eugene’s own coming-of-age. He is a character on the cusp, caught between the stark reality of his surroundings and the romantic allure of adventure.
Margot Robbie as Allison Wells in “Dreamland”
Style Over Substance?
While visually compelling, “Dreamland” suffers from a somewhat underdeveloped script. Joris-Peyrafitte excels at portraying Eugene’s internal world, using stylized 8mm film sequences and unconventional editing to blur the lines between fantasy and reality. One scene features a long, almost static shot that gradually reveals Eugene and Allison bathing together, mirroring the character’s growing intimacy and vulnerability.
However, the film’s artistic flair is hampered by a lack of narrative drive. Some plotlines are abandoned, others lead nowhere, and the third act feels rushed and unmotivated. While not a bad film, “Dreamland” ultimately feels like a promising but incomplete work.