In competition at the Berlinale 2025, Dreams marks the latest feature film from Mexican director Michel Franco. Written and directed by the filmmaker himself, the movie stars Jessica Chastain, who is also a producer, alongside Isaac Hernández and Rupert Friend in a gripping romantic drama infused with thriller elements. With a runtime of 1 hour and 38 minutes, Dreams will hit French theaters on January 28, 2026.
Fernando, a young ballet dancer from Mexico, dreams of making it big on the international stage and building a better life in the United States. Convinced that Jennifer, a prominent American with whom he shares a close bond, will help him achieve his ambitions, he risks everything by crossing the border illegally. His arrival nonetheless disrupts the delicate balance of the world Jennifer has carefully crafted.
Torn between her feelings for Fernando and her desire to maintain her social standing, Jennifer faces impossible decisions. Their relationship becomes a battleground of power dynamics, where desire, control, and dependency clash, exposing the social and moral divisions that separate them.
Dreams represents the second collaboration between Michel Franco and Jessica Chastain, following Memory (2023). It was during the filming of that project that the director first discussed his new venture with the actress. Staying true to Franco's cinematic themes, the film continues his exploration of power dynamics, intimate violence, and social inequalities—topics he previously examined in New Order and After Lucia.
Jessica Chastain is deeply involved in this project both in front of and behind the camera. As a producer, she closely oversaw the screenplay development. Michel Franco gave her considerable freedom in shaping her character, staying true to his working approach that emphasizes trust and actor autonomy, according to sources close to the production.
Standing beside her, Isaac Hernández commands a distinctive presence. A principal dancer at the American Ballet Theatre, he brings his own body and ballet expertise to the role of Fernando. Previously seen on screen in the mini-series Someone Must Die and Carlos Saura's The King of the World, he here embodies a character whose gestures and artistic discipline are integral to the story.
The film also openly explores the couple’s physical intimacy. The sex scenes, conceived by the director and actress as integral narrative elements, are designed to reveal the dynamics between the characters—without seeking to shock or offend—according to Michel Franco’s guidance.
With its measured pacing, minimalist direction, and sharp critique of privilege, Dreams appeals to fans of contemporary auteur cinema. The film follows a vein similar to Franco's earlier works, yet it also evokes, through its examination of class and intimate power dynamics, recent American and Latin American social dramas.
Dreams
Film | 2026
Release date in theaters: January 28, 2026
Drama, romance, thriller | Runtime: 1h38
Directed by Michel Franco | Starring Jessica Chastain, Isaac Hernández, Rupert Friend
Original title: Dreams
Countries: Mexico, United States
With Dreams, Michel Franco continues to delve into the gray areas between personal and political spheres, weaving together individual journeys with sharp social critique. Anchored by Jessica Chastain’s compelling performance and Isaac Hernández’s intense physicality, the film delivers a tense drama where personal ambitions clash relentlessly with entrenched power structures.
To keep the moviegoing experience going, check out the January film releases, the must-see movies of the moment, and our list of the year's most impactful dramas.
This page may contain AI-assisted elements, more information here.
