Review for ‘‘The Dream Robber’’ Jeremy Niels Circus

Half ethereal soul-searching experience and half poetic arthouse musical, Jeremy Niels Circus' short & sweet The Dream Robber is stylistically and thematically unique to say the least.

The story follows little Esteban as a metaphysical encounter changes him forever, as he is left bereft of the ability to dream. Through powerful performances from the whole cast we follow Esteban's point of view, with the simultaneous narration from his adult self anchoring us in his present reality.

The film heavily leans into the dual nature of fundamental relations, such as that between mother and son, with its intricacies, beauty and horror, as symbolized by the split depiction of the ancient, female figure both as demon and angel. The metaphysical and cosmically horrifying transmutes into the golden & beautiful through the passage of time, mirroring the maturity & emotional development one experiences through life.

Transcendental, dark & lyrical through and through, The Dream Robber paints a picture of childhood, lost innocence and evolving perceptions on man's relationships and aspirations. We hope to see longer length and more concrete projects from this director's sharp eye for esthetics and emotional storytelling.