Fugitive Dreams

2020

1 hr. 37 min.

Drama

List

100%

10 Reviews

Tomatometer

70%

Fewer than 50 Ratings

Audience Score

In this allegorical road movie touching on themes of homelessness, mental health, and addiction, two lost souls embark across a dreamscape America. Their darkly strange journey confronts them with their traumatic pasts, and bonds them in compassion and love. Mary, a homeless drifter, is filled with anger and deep depression. When another drifter, John, inadvertently thwarts her suicide attempt, the two form an unlikely partnership across the American Midwest. John brings a certain innocence to their relationship, Mary, a hardened practicality. Mary's destination is "anywhere but here." John's is a place that only exists in his imagination. Along the way they meet a series of figures -- ghosts of the road, voices of other cast-outs -- deemed disposable by culture. These encounters challenge and torment John and Mary as they journey through a landscape that offers little solace for those living the most precarious of lives. The final leg of their wanderings brings them to the place of John's dreams where the gray of the real world melts into color and the troubles of their afflictions dissolve away. Over the course of their story, John and Mary come to understand that the home they seek is not a particular place within this country. As they discover in the end, their home is one another.

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Paula J

I only chose this movie because of its rating with the critics. I pay attention to their critique and most always have found it to be a true guide; however, I had difficulty with this movie with some of the cast mumbling (it is not my hearing) and also with the lack of clarity in the progression and speed of the plot line. I am not trashing the movie, maybe it was an off night for me, but when I begin a book or a movie, even if I am not drawn into it, I will usually finish it. I kept waiting on the 100% from the meter to show up. I did not see it or feel it!

Rated 2 out of 5 stars

01/20/24

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Jason Neulander

Director

April Matthis

Mary

Robbie Tann

John

Scott Shepherd

Israfel

O-Lan Jones

Providence

David Patrick Kelly

Henri Gatien

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Steve Davis

Austin Chronicle

The film's non-linear narrative is challenging; it won't be everyone's cup of tea. But while events may seem to occur randomly, debut director Neulander and dramatist Caridad Svich's screenplay, based on the latter's play, isn't haphazard at all.

Nov 10, 2020

Full Review

Eddie Harrison

film-authority.com

…there’s lots in the off-beat dialogue and committed acting to savour… a challenging, original and admirably offbeat movie that feels like John Steinbeck updated…

Rated: 4/5

Jan 9, 2024

Full Review

Kelechi Ehenulo

JumpCut Online

There's something 'there' bubbling beneath the surface, something that alludes to poignancy and substance. But you have to work hard for it to make some coherent sense.

Rated: 3/5

May 25, 2021

Full Review

Rob Aldam

Backseat Mafia

An enthralling exploration of two complex characters.

Nov 18, 2020

Full Review

Kate Sánchez

But Why Tho? A Geek Community

Fugitive Dreams is more about the atmosphere the score and cinematography create than any linear story...I can't help but be moved by the film and the concept that sometimes home is other people.

Rated: 7/10

Oct 28, 2020

Full Review

Terry Mesnard

Gayly Dreadful

It won't be for everyone but there is a propulsive beat and an human truth to Fugitive Dreams that I found haunting and enchanting.

Rated: 3/5

Sep 9, 2020

Full Review

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Synopsis

In this allegorical road movie touching on themes of homelessness, mental health, and addiction, two lost souls embark across a dreamscape America. Their darkly strange journey confronts them with their traumatic pasts, and bonds them in compassion and love. Mary, a homeless drifter, is filled with anger and deep depression. When another drifter, John, inadvertently thwarts her suicide attempt, the two form an unlikely partnership across the American Midwest. John brings a certain innocence to their relationship, Mary, a hardened practicality. Mary's destination is "anywhere but here." John's is a place that only exists in his imagination. Along the way they meet a series of figures -- ghosts of the road, voices of other cast-outs -- deemed disposable by culture. These encounters challenge and torment John and Mary as they journey through a landscape that offers little solace for those living the most precarious of lives. The final leg of their wanderings brings them to the place of John's dreams where the gray of the real world melts into color and the troubles of their afflictions dissolve away. Over the course of their story, John and Mary come to understand that the home they seek is not a particular place within this country. As they discover in the end, their home is one another.

Director: Jason Neulander
Screenwriter: Jason Neulander, Caridad Svich
Distributor: Freestyle Digital Media
Genre: Drama
Release Date (Streaming): Jan 9, 2024

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