Dream!, 2025.
Directed by Paul Spurrier.
Starring Amata Masmalai, Vithaya Pansringarm, Chomphupak Poonpol, Adam Kaokept, and Sahajak Boonthanakit
SYNOPSIS:
A newly orphaned youngter sets out on a lone quest to find a new home and family. Her journey takes her on many adventures across Thailand.
There are undoubtedly many questions I never thought I’d ask myself, but one that presents itself near the start of Paul and Jiriya Spurrier’s charming feature film musical is: “Why doesn’t Father Christmas come to Thailand?”
It’s a question that sparks newly – and quite shockingly, tragically – orphaned Lek (Amata Masmalai) to question all sorts of things in her brief existence. Escaping from the horror of her mother’s murder at the hands of her villainous uncle, she heads out into the gorgeous Thai countryside to find a new home and family.
The film’s grand production dynamics are brilliantly showcased with 18 original songs performed by the Siam Sinfonietta youth orchestra. Lek’s singing voice is provided by Victoria Woodman, who provides the sonic centre of the film, as the lead vocalist. As a musical, the songs are noticeably well-executed, but the visual compositions are no less important. Some of the shots of the Thai landscapes are simply breath-taking.
A unique feel to the production does not shy away from occasionally disturbing imagery. The ghost of Lek’s mum urges her to go far away in a particularly emotive scene. Lek takes her advice, bringing her lucky doll Bella along with her every step of the way. A series of adventures follow, including meeting a lonely rich girl desperate for friends, a wise homeless traveller who decided to drop out of society, and a miracle cure medicine man who may or may not be all that he seems.
I really enjoyed Dream! mostly because it has such a clarity of vision. Lek knows what she wants – acceptance and a loving home – but is unsure where, or even if she can, find it. The songs, sung at every new juncture in this fable-like story, are well-crafted and often humorous, with a healthy sprinkling of the surreal.
The bright visuals and expertly executed choreography put me in mind of the animations of Studio Ghibli, and to my mind, that makes perfect sense. This is a live-action musical animated in the most positive of ways by song and dance, and it succeeds in bringing some seasonal goodwill of a splendidly original quality at any time of year and anywhere. Even in the middle of a summer heatwave, the idea of going out on a quest to find meaning and a home, spurred on by the idea of Christmas, totally works.
A fun musical with more than a touch of memorable strangeness, Dream! is certainly worth staying awake for.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★
Robert W Monk
