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What Dreams May Come

Name: What Dreams May Come
Director: Vincent Ward
Released: 1998
Duration: 113 min

Representation Score

4.5/10

Fair

1998

PG-13

Director

Vincent Ward

Runtime

113 minutes

Average Rating

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New Showbiz Analysis

What Dreams May Come is visually stunning and explores the metaphysical realm. Its main strength is its philosophical approach to spirituality, which replaces rigid religious structures with a psychological, identity-focused model of the afterlife. However, the film lacks depth in representing different aspects of identity. It focuses heavily on traditional romantic relationships and a predominantly white cast, limiting its demographic reach. Despite its imaginative concept, the film does not aim to disrupt social or racial norms, resulting in a narrow social scope.

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Category Breakdown

Does What Dreams May Come have LGBTQ+ representation?

Minimal

The film focuses solely on a heterosexual marriage and does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or queer subtext.

How does What Dreams May Come portray gender?

Fair

Annie plays a significant role in driving the story and makes tough decisions. The film includes conversations between women that don't revolve around men, passing the Bechdel test.

How racially and ethnically diverse is What Dreams May Come?

Limited

The cast is mostly white, with very few actors from diverse backgrounds. The film does not use race-bent casting to broaden its scope.

How does What Dreams May Come represent religion and culture?

Good

The film presents the afterlife as a personal experience rather than a structured religious belief system, promoting a subjective view of spirituality.

Does What Dreams May Come include disability representation?

Fair

Mental health and psychological trauma are central to the plot via the depiction of suicide. However, these elements serve as narrative catalysts rather than nuanced explorations of neurodivergence.

Present on Screen

Presents a subjective view of spirituality that rejects organized religion.
Features a strong female lead with psychological depth.
Includes conversations between women unrelated to the male lead, passing the Bechdel test.

Limited or Absent

Does not include any LGBTQ+ characters or queer subtext.
Has a predominantly white cast with limited racial and ethnic diversity.
Uses mental health issues mainly as plot devices rather than exploring disabilities.

Official Synopsis

Chris Nielsen dies to find himself in a heaven more amazing than he could have ever dreamed of. There is one thing missing: his wife. After he died, his wife Annie killed herself and went to hell. Chris decides to risk eternity in Hades for the small chance that he will be able to bring her back to heaven.

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