Synopsis:
Plagued by nightmares, a troubled teenager signs up to a sleep disorder study. Hoping that will finally stop her sinister dreams, she unknowingly becomes the channel to a horrifying new discovery.
Come True is a genre-bending bad trip through the darkness that exists beyond our dreams.
Directed by Anthony Scott Burns (Our House), Come True stars Julia Sarah Stone (Honey Bee, Weirdos) and Landon Liboiron (Truth or Dare) and was produced by Vincenzo Natali (Splice, In the Tall Grass) with a score composed by Canadian synthpop duo Electric Youth and Burns (under the moniker Pilotpriest).
In case you haven’t yet figured it out, the title is a play on the popular, albeit cheesy phrase: “Dreams do come true.” Come True plays heavily with this concept by having both the plot centred around a study focussed on dreaming as well as having the film feature some truly spectacular dream sequences. There is a lot to unpack and to do so would probably take more than one watch, especially considering the film’s vexing conclusion. As the sum of its parts, Come True was a really enjoyable cinematic experience, though some of those parts could really have used some tweaking.
First, let’s touch on what was great because there is quite a bit to touch on. The performances from the entire cast were stellar, with Stone’s Sarah oftentimes stealing the show–I was equal parts impressed and pleased. The cinematography is breath-taking and the film is beautifully composed. There is a solid blue hue that permeates the film which comes across as almost ironic. Blue in film is usually used to convey calm, order, tranquillity or trust, with Come True oftentimes expressing the polar opposites of those concepts. There is plenty of confusion, mistrust, fear and anxiety, masterfully conveyed through Sarah’s teenage crisis. While we never quite figure out what caused Sarah’s flight from home, we can imagine a troubled family coupled with teenage angst, perhaps even some form of abuse.
The film is set in chapters, a nod to the dramas of old. More notably though are the dream sequences that pepper Come True’s entirety. These CGI scenes are a collection of haunting visual feasts that will either have you covering your eyes in terror or staring transfixed at the eldritch abominations drawn from someone’s incredible imagination. They were (Along with Stone’s Sarah) the highlight of the film for me.
The story, while not entirely original, meanders from genre to genre, staying interesting and keeping you guessing. While definitely sporting some elements that are unquestionably horror, there is a strong sense of sci-fi and even a pang of romance. I was really enjoying the journey until the end when the film really shifts gears…and then shifts again…and again. Without spoiling things, I both loved and hated the ending, though expounding on that would be a step too far. Suffice it to say that you won’t be able to see this one coming.
There were a few areas where the film left something to be desired. The third act is a little too drawn out; dragging on longer than necessary. While not tedious, I would have appreciated a slightly tighter cut. What really got to me though was the score. While admittedly beautiful, the score is just too central; it overpowers the other elements rather than compliment them, so much so that it is outright invasive. I found it pleasant and somewhat quirky at the start of the film but by the end it had become a touch too monotonous. It was like hearing a song on the radio that you liked…and then listening to it on repeat until you didn’t.
Overall, I cannot say that Come True blew me away. It was a good film though, one that was almost a favourite. I can absolutely see how many adored it, especially considering what an absolute visual feast the film can be. It is definitely worth a watch but not if you are expecting a solid horror flick. This is something else…Stranger Things meets Flatliners meets The Endless…maybe. I think I need to sit down and give it another watch. Thanks for reading and as always, stay sordid. Trailer and poster below. Come True will be released in cinemas on March 12th, on digital download from March 15th, and on Limited Edition Blu-ray from April 5th.
