Common Sense Media Review
By Christie Cronan
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Unsettling erotic thriller has rape, nudity, mature themes.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 16+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
Videos and Photos
Dreams
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
DREAMS focuses on the unsettling affair between powerful American socialite Jennifer McCarthy (Jessica Chastain) and promising Mexican ballet dancer Fernando Rodríguez (Isaac Hernández). When he risks his life to immigrate illegally to the United States, she takes dangerous measures to secure their future.
Is It Any Good?
Deliberately unsettling, writer/director Michel Franco's symbolic dance has something very poignant to say, but unfortunately it takes too long to get there. Cold, intense, and on edge, Dreams is an uncomfortable romantic thriller that's more about style than substance. While the acting by Chastain and Hernández is compelling and the romance scenes are steamy, the detached storytelling fails to convey the passionate symbolism that Franco seems to be trying to express. Power isn't the only thing struggling on screen: The point of the film collapses beneath the weight of the delivery.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about what Dreams is trying to say about power in relationships. Can a relationship be fair if one person has more power than the other? Why, or why not? How can you recognize when a relationship becomes unhealthy?
Is it possible for a person to see themselves as a "good person" while doing harmful things? Do their good intentions excuse their problematic actions? Can you think of any real-life examples?
What do you think the film is trying to say about immigration? What challenges does Fernando face as an immigrant? How do those challenges affect his decisions?
Why is expression through art important in times of difficulty and hardship?
Movie Details
- In theaters : February 27, 2026
- On DVD or streaming : April 10, 2026
- Cast : Jessica Chastain , Isaac Hernández , Rupert Friend
- Director : Michel Franco
- Inclusion Information : Latino Movie Director(s) , Mexican Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s) , Mexican Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Greenwich Entertainment
- Genre : Romance
- Topics : Arts ( Dance )
- Run time : 98 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- Last updated : May 5, 2026
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