Elizabeth Banks and John C. Reilly lead the cast of DreamQuil, a new psychological sci-fi thriller that blends body horror with AI themes, as first revealed by THR. The film is set in a near-future world where poor air quality forces much of life to shift into virtual spaces, and it addresses alienation within family and technology-driven realities.
Plot Focuses on Strained Family Ties and a Mysterious Digital Wellness Retreat
Banks portrays Carol, a career-oriented mother feeling disconnected from her husband Gary (played by Reilly) and their child. As her home life grows increasingly stifling and the prospect of divorce looms, Carol chooses to enroll in DreamQuil, an innovative digital wellness program designed to help participants regain control over their lives. Upon returning, she finds that a robot version of herself, Carol 2, has been sent by the retreat’s corporation to support her family, leading to unsettling events.
Directorial Debut and Creative Approach
Alex Prager makes her first feature film as director with DreamQuil, co-writing the script alongside Vanessa Prager. The film uses theatrical storytelling to explore contemporary anxieties.
Elizabeth Banks discusses the film’s use of body horror, saying,
“Body horror as a genre is a response to living in the world where we’re making fake versions of ourselves now, all the time,”
Banks tells THR.
“The notion of uploading ourselves into a better version is really enticing for people.”
Alex Prager adds,
“I liked the idea of telling the story… through the way ‘The Twilight Zone’ or a theater might,”
and continues,
“It feels really artificial because it’s theater, but at the same time, there’s nothing more alive than the living and breathing people right in front of you. There’s also a playfulness in the theatricality, so we’re not taking ourselves too seriously.”
Supporting Cast and Production Team
Joining Banks and Reilly are Juliette Lewis (Yellowjackets), Sofia Boutella (The Mummy), Kathryn Newton (Abigail), Lamorne Morris (New Girl), and Toby Larsen. Elizabeth Banks also serves as producer along with Alex Prager, Max Handelman, Alison Small, Vincent Landay, and Michael Mendelsohn. Executive producers include Marc Marrie, Matt Aselton, Mal Ward, Scott Putman, and Natalie Perrota.
Premiere and Distribution Details
DreamQuil is scheduled to premiere at SXSW in Austin, Texas, on March 16. Distribution will be handled by Republic Pictures later in the year, marking a significant entry into sci-fi cinema exploring identity and technology’s impact on human relationships.
