As a debut film in a Philly-based Surreal romantic comedy, writer, director, star, and animator Jack McCafferty does not disappoint as the movie is amusing and laughable, and even if this is purely wishful thinking on the part of the filmmakers, one would still not consider this to be a realistic depiction of love and relationships.
Miles (McCafferty) and Ren, played by the ever so talented Lauren LaVera who is featuring in the Terrifier movies and other blockbuster films, are the major stars. They both have sleeping difficulties, and thus they happen to sit next to each other in a medical waiting room. Of course not, Miles is already mesmerized by Ren’s beauty! (The feeling, rather surprisingly, appears to be mutual).
Miles’ life experiences are focused around drama induced by nightmares, which prevents him from ever sleeping the full night. It is noteworthy that McCafferty has illustrated several sections of his movie and while he may not be the best drawer, his work has a specific style. Most of these animated sequences feature Ren, who has mysteriously appeared in all of Miles’ dreams. Then again, running into her, let alone speaking to her is impossible, which is how his subconscious represents his social anxiety. This is rather bizarre since, in the real world, she nearly goes out of her way to attract his attention.
In one such dream, he is a participant in a game show titled What Does She See in Him? Miles, however, has no answer to this question. He is joined in ignorance by the gameshow host, the audience, which consists of turkey and no, don’t ask, it’s some inside joke from earlier in the script, and even his sidekick stuffed bear. And, to be honest, this is the case for the movie audience too.
It’s not only because she is incredibly hotter than him, which is indeed the case, but he is also a total wreck. He has anxiety and has low self-worth. He is unemployed (at first he has a job he despises, but it does not last long as he gets fired), is broke, and sleeps in the work shed of his deceased uncle which is cluttered with strange and weird ornaments. He is also unable to sleep properly at night, suffering from nightmares that lead to sleep paralysis, and in most of these cases considers himself to be attacked by a demon.
Almost comically, there is some sort of ex of hers who is a complete jerk and she has treatment for sleep apnea as she suffers from it and uses a CPAP machine. What is good about it, she goes on to awkwardly flirt with him first during the meet cute, which is at the waiting area of a medical sleep study. Then after the study is over, she sprints into the parking lot, tracks him down and offers him a lift home. The remarkable factor to be noted is that she is the first one to add him on Facebook. According to her, there is absolutely nothing wrong with texting him first. On the very first date, she tells him to make the first move only for her to end up convincing him entirely to do so. Most times, she initiates the kiss first.
She also never discloses the reasons why she falls hard for him. For her, the most appealing factor is that he does not over shower her with love but sensations that a normal being will be. Well, it is fair to say that such behaviours do attract women that are drop-dead gorgeous.
Alright, let me break it down for you. It’s a nerds fantasy love story. The attractive love interest who has a crush on and even wants to be intimate with a more socially awkward character. It’s not realistic but if done well, can be enjoyable to watch. I mean, Judd Apatow had one of the most successful starts in the industry with similar themes.
Dreaming of You is a film made on a low budget, yet it stretches itself quite well and impresses in many areas for an indie. And like I said, it’s funny, though sometimes very. Which is all that one wants from a comedy. I hope that McCafferty takes a step up in finances and produces a good film, because his ideas are strong.
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