Genre filmmaking and cinema as a whole lost an essential player recently with the devastating passing of Bill Paxton. A smart actor with a continual understanding of how to shift his performance depending on genre, Paxton has always been a delight to behold. Fortunately, more of his work is yet to come, as a new trailer for the indie thriller Mean Dreams demonstrates Paxton’s menace and endless watchability.
Penned by first-time writers Kevin Coughlin and Ryan Grassby, Mean Dreams — which premiered at the Directors’ Fortnight section at Cannes — is the second feature directed by Nathan Morlondo. The film follows two teenagers (Sophie Nélisse and Josh Wiggins) on the run from abusive homes and parents (including a ruthless Paxton), who find love and danger on the road to freedom. Ahead of a release later this month, see the trailer below, with a nod to First Showing, along with a poster and synopsis.
MEAN DREAMS follows courageous local farm boy Jonas (Josh Wiggins) and the new girl next door, Casey (Sophie Nélisse), as they embark on a journey that will change their lives forever. As young love blossoms between the two fifteen year olds, Jonas also discovers that Casey’s abusive home life has reached a new level of danger, and Jonas takes the lead in their escape by stealing a bag full of drug money from Casey’s corrupt father – local cop Wayne Caraway (Bill Paxton). With the stolen cash as their only means to a better life, Casey flees with Jonas and together, under relentless pursuit from her father, they learn the hard truth of what it will take in order to survive. In the end, Casey and Jonas are forced to make a life-altering choice from which there will be no turning back. A potent coming of age thriller, MEAN DREAMS brings together the desperation of life on the run and the beauty and wonder of first love.
Mean Dreams hits theaters on March 17th.