DREAM EATER and the Usual Found Footage Questions

DREAM EATER (Blu-ray)

2026 / 89 min

Alliance Entertainment

Review by Josey, the Sudden Cat🙀

Because found footage is an overused gimmick, I always find myself immediately asking two questions while reviewing yet another one:

1. Is there an actual narrative reason for the movie to be shot like this?

2. Is this the type of story where characters would realistically feel compelled to film everything happening?

Regarding Dream Eater, the answer to both is largely no, though it isn’t completely without merit.

The basic story itself ain’t bad. Alex (Alex Lee Williams) has a history of chronic sleepwalking, but his actions while asleep are becoming increasingly dangerous, which includes purposefully harming himself. So his girlfriend, filmmaker Mallory (Mallory Drumm), begins to document things at the behest of a doctor. This being a horror movie, Alex’s behavior grows more ominously erratic and threatening, to both himself and Mallory. 

It later becomes clear that there are supernatural doings related to Alex’s family history, when his parents are part of a bizarre cult. After a meandering start, the film boasts a few creepy sequences, and there are times where found footage is effectively utilized to create tension. The climax, in particular, packs a few great jolts. And for a couple of non-actors, the two leads are pretty decent in their roles (Williams & Drumm are also the film’s co-writers & directors).

Available for birthday parties.

However, why the characters decide to document all this at an AirBNB in the middle of nowhere is anyone’s guess. If Alex’s sleepwalking problem is so dangerous to everyone involved, shouldn’t they stay where emergency help is close by? And since Alex’s condition is serious, shouldn’t a professional somnologist at least be on-hand? Elsewhere, the film struggles to justify why Mallory would be compelled to shoot every waking moment, including times she’s using her PC, having breakfast with Alex, and most distractingly, when her own life is in danger. 

I guess we aren’t supposed to think about such things, but since the novelty of found footage wore off years ago, I can’t help it. These days, it takes a hell of a lot for me to forget about the camera itself, which Dream Eater doesn’t always do. Is it a deal-breaker? Not necessarily, because the story itself develops into something just interesting enough to make it worth our while. 

I also gotta add that the packaging is terrific. The Blu-ray cover, slipcase and mini-poster all feature distinctly different (and creative) artwork. Such nifty physical accoutrements are increasingly rare these days - especially for a largely obscure film - but I’ll attest that physical media fans appreciate the effort.

EXTRA KIBBLES

BEHIND-THE-SCENES FEATURETTE - This is actually more of a Q&A with executive producer Eli Roth talking with actors/co-directors Alex Lee Willaims, Mallory Drumm and Jay Drakulic. Roth also gushes unabashedly about the movie itself, and is also a bit self-congratulatory when discussing how he ‘discovered’ the film and made creative suggestions regarding the reshot climax.

AUDIO COMMENTARY - By the directors.

GALLERY

TRAILERS

MINI POSTER