Visual Splendor in a Colonial Context

Read Time:3 Minute, 43 Second

MOVIE REVIEW
Sweet Dreams
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Genre: Drama
Year Released: 2024
Runtime: 1h 42m
Director(s): Ena Sendijarević
Writer(s): Ena Sendijarević
Cast: Renée Soutendijk, Lisa Zweerman, Hans Dagelet, Verdi Solaiman, Bart Klever, Chris Nietvelt, Muhammad Khan, Rio Kaj Den Haas, Hayati Azis, Florian Myjer
Language: Dutch and Indonesian, with English subtitles
Where To Watch: opens April 12, 2024, at Metrograph In Theater and has its streaming premiere on Metrograph At Home, where it will be available for an exclusive one-month engagement

RAVING REVIEW: SWEET DREAMS offers an immersive dive into a period of Dutch colonial rule on an Indonesian island, with director Ena Sendijarević directing the film. This is a portal to the past, marrying the grandeur of history with the intimate turmoil of a family coming apart at the seams. The balance between the beauty of the island and the harsh truths of its colonial past is struck with such finesse that you’re left both enchanted and educated. This was an experience I wasn’t ready for. I didn’t know what to expect, but I loved it at every unexpected turn. Something about it feels familiar while also unlike anything I’ve seen before.

Sendijarević doesn’t just direct; she crafts a narrative where every shot is a painting, and every dialogue a stroke that colors the complex dynamics of power, identity, and family. Florian Myjer and Lisa Zweerman are the soul of SWEET DREAMS, portraying Cornelis and Josefien with a depth that makes their characters’ journey a microcosm for broader historical and cultural themes. Their gripping performances provide a human anchor to the sweeping narrative. Zweeman specifically felt like this was a role she was born to play; her character has depth unlike any performance I can think of, and Josefien feels like an extension of her being.

The film is unapologetic in its critique of the era it depicts, using satire and stark realism to peel back layers of colonial life and expose the rot underneath. The unique 4:3 aspect ratio isn’t just for show—it’s a window that frames the confined realities of its characters (I saw someone quote a similar line to this; unfortunately, I lost who it was.) The lush colors and meticulous staging draw obvious inspiration from cinema's past, enriching the film’s experience without detracting from its thematic depth.

As it wades into discussions of inheritance and the scars left by colonialism, SWEET DREAMS presents Karel (Rio Kaj Den Haas,) the unforeseen heir, as pivotal in challenging and redefining notions of family and authority. The film is an invitation to question and rethink the past and its impact on the present.

This isn’t just a historical drama or another period piece; SWEET DREAMS is a meditation on the themes of power, morality, and change. With its layered narrative and striking visuals, the film provokes thought, offering a fresh perspective on a period that still affects many today. It’s a must-see for anyone intrigued by history, culture, and cinema, distinguished by bold storytelling and a memorable aesthetic. I can promise you, if you give this film a chance, you’ll find something to take away from the experience. You may end up being genuinely depressed at the end, but it will leave you thinking!

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[photo courtesy of DEKANALOG]

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