Dreamchild

PG

1985

1h 33m

Fantasy

List

100%

Tomatometer

13 Reviews

80%

Audience Score

250+ Ratings

Eighty-year-old Alice Hargreaves (Coral Browne) is about to visit Columbia University to attend a reception in honor of legendary fantasy author Lewis Carroll. As a child, Alice had a close friendship with the writer, who she knew as Rev. Charles Dodgson (Ian Holm), and their relationship was the creative catalyst for Dodgson's most beloved work. However, as Alice reflects on her experiences with the author, she realizes the complexity of their bond has had lasting, deeply felt ramifications.

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Pauline Kael

New Yorker

[Ian Holm gives] a wonderful performance -- sneaky-dirty in its recessiveness, funny and painful at the same moments.

Sep 13, 2023

Full Review

Nell Minow

Movie Mom

Rated: 4/5

Nov 27, 2002

Full Review

Roger Ebert

Chicago Sun-Times

Dreamchild is an ambitious movie that tries to do a lot of things, and does most of them surprisingly well.

Rated: 3/4

Jan 1, 2000

Full Review

Matt Brunson

Film Frenzy

This could have been a classic had it not wasted so much time on Alice's simpering assistant (Nicola Cowper) and a tiresome NYC reporter (Peter Gallagher).

Rated: 3/4

Sep 25, 2022

Full Review

Alan Jones

Starburst

Exquisite on every level, Dreamchild is a film to cherish.

Jul 8, 2022

Full Review

Emanuel Levy

EmanuelLevy.Com

Rated: 4/5

Jun 11, 2005

Full Review

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Susie B

I loved this movie and the performances. Have watched it again and again, and will - again! Fan of Lewis Carroll AND Ian Holm!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

11/12/23

Full Review

Audience Member

I saw the film when it opened and later rented it on VHS (not available on DVD yet.) A beautiful and heart wrenching film. Ian Holm as "Lewis Carroll" was sadly overlooked by the Oscars that year. The Muppet/Puppet scenes may strike modern audiences as a bit odd, but they add more charm and realism than CG could. One not to miss if/when it is ever shown. Send requests in to TCM.

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/02/23

Full Review

Audience Member

An interesting, underrated delve into the history of one of our most beloved stories. The mesmerizing performances, surreal atmosphere and all around heart make this a memorable experience worthy of anyone willing to step through the looking glass.

Rated 3.5 out of 5 stars

01/15/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Adds a dark undertone to the creation of the Alice story, and is aided by Henson's tactile, creepy versions of the Wonderland characters. But the interesting premise never rises to the level of engrossing.

Rated 3 out of 5 stars

02/20/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Ian Holm is brilliant as the misunderstood, stuttering intellect responsible for the Alice In Wonderland stories. Shame on the film award circles for not recognising this exceptional performance!

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/06/23

Full Review

Audience Member

Amazing film.amazing Coral Browne. I can't understand the "info" Mr. Erickson shares e.g. the film is "lightened": by those to me terrifying and grotesque characters of Jim Henson. And I thought the "long-sur pressed secret" which was revealed to Alice was that she loved him too. Roberta Hodes

Rated 5 out of 5 stars

02/06/23

Full Review

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Gavin Millar

Director

Coral Browne

Alice Hargreaves

Ian Holm

Reverend Charles L. Dodgson

Peter Gallagher

Jack Dolan

Caris Corfman

Sally Mackeson

Nicola Cowper

Lucy

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Synopsis

Eighty-year-old Alice Hargreaves (Coral Browne) is about to visit Columbia University to attend a reception in honor of legendary fantasy author Lewis Carroll. As a child, Alice had a close friendship with the writer, who she knew as Rev. Charles Dodgson (Ian Holm), and their relationship was the creative catalyst for Dodgson's most beloved work. However, as Alice reflects on her experiences with the author, she realizes the complexity of their bond has had lasting, deeply felt ramifications.

Director: Gavin Millar
Producer: Rick McCallum, Ken Trodd
Production Co: Thorn EMI, PfH Ltd.
Rating: PG
Genre: Fantasy
Original Language: English
Release Date (Streaming): May 31, 2018
Box Office (Gross USA): $38.5K
Runtime: 1h 33m