Surreal ’90s-Era Cinematic Experience

Read Time:3 Minute, 42 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Dream Team
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Genre: Crime, Comedy, Drama
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 31m
Director(s): Whitney Horn, Lev Kalman
Writer(s): Whitney Horn, Lev Kalman
Cast: Esther Garrel, Alex Zhang Hungta,i Isabelle Barbier, Fariha Roisin, Minh T Mia
Where To Watch: opens at Metrograph New York City November 15, 2024

RAVING REVIEW: Expect the unexpected and then some before diving into this wild ride! DREAM TEAM is a creative venture by writer/director Lev Kalman and Whitney Horn. They have previously dove into projects like L FOR LEISURE and TWO PLAINS & A FANCY. This time, we are taken on an exhilarating escape into the surreal world of 1997.

This journey meshes the professional and personal lives of Chase (Alex Zhang Hungtai) and No (Esther Garrel,) two INTERPOL agents navigating through the murky waters of an intriguing case. Their mission is to solve the mysterious death of a coral smuggler, which spirals into a fantastic adventure involving telepathic coral reefs and seductive scientists. This voyage blurs the realms of reality, ushering the audience into a series of encounters with unique characters like K and Venice—dance students by day and law enforcement interns by night; Agent Midnight Shadow from the scenic Mexican vineyards; and the elusive Hard Karl, whose intrigue adds an unexpected layer to their investigative puzzle.

DREAM TEAM pays homage to the kitschy thrillers of the '90s. The film’s grainy 16mm texture enriches its indie essence and highlights impressive performances by Garrel and Hungtai. This film explores Kalman and Horn’s genre-blending narrative and their insightful sociopolitical commentary, creating a genuinely thought-provoking cinema.

DREAM TEAM's narrative structure is fluid, echoing the innovative spirit of the early 20th century; it transitions between its sequences to appear seamless, as if the viewers are drifting through a continuous dream rather than watching a series of connected scenes.

The film’s visual storytelling is augmented by low-fi special effects crafted by VFX creator Sam Wohl, known for his work on indie favorites like Beasts of the Southern Wild and Swiss Army Man. From crafting the illusion of an invisible man to the detailed creation of a growing beard, the effects work maintains the film’s indie integrity and complements its narrative style.

As DREAM TEAM delves into the societal and environmental undercurrents of the late '90s, it doesn’t shy away from addressing themes of global connectivity and ecological crisis set against the backdrop of the impending millennium. This thematic depth matches a staunch commitment to 16mm film, ensuring each frame is imbued with intentional artistry.

Audience reactions range from adoration of its eccentric charm to befuddlement at its complex narrative and stylistic experiments. This dichotomy highlights the film’s success in pushing the boundaries of traditional filmmaking and its potential to captivate a diverse viewer base.

DREAM TEAM celebrates unrestricted creativity, a testament to Kalman and Horn’s dedication to producing cinema transcending mainstream norms. It invites audiences to let go of conventional storytelling expectations and immerse themselves in a realm where reality intertwines seamlessly with the fantastical.

Keep an eye on this one; it’s an experience not to be missed— an adventure as intellectually stimulating as entertaining, promising a distinct stand in the contemporary film scene.

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[photo courtesy of YELLOW VEIL PICTURES, TWIN SNAKES, SMUDGE FILMS, NICE DISSOLVE]

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