Drama
In Our Dreams
Written by Cari Stewart
Warning – This review contains spoilers.
In Our Dreams follows Dennis and Caroline, a couple whose love has endured for decades, now facing their most difficult challenge yet—Caroline’s battle with cancer. As her condition worsens and she becomes bedridden, Dennis steps in as her full-time caregiver, determined to keep the magic of their love alive. Whether he’s holding her up and dancing in their waking hours or meeting her on the dance floor in their dreams, Dennis won’t let Caroline’s illness stop them from sharing those intimate moments. Inspired by a true story, this screenplay dives deep into themes of devotion, love, and the emotional impact of terminal illness.
The story really moved me. It’s a heartfelt exploration of the lengths someone will go to for their loved one, even when faced with the inevitability of loss. The moments where Dennis recreates the dances they used to share, even as Caroline’s body weakens, are particularly poignant. While the script is emotionally rich and easy to follow, I do think its heavy tone might make it difficult for some audiences during a table read. It leans into the melancholic, with only brief moments of hope and lightness in the dream sequences. That said, anyone who has experienced caregiving or the loss of a loved one will likely find this story deeply resonant.
From a technical perspective, the screenplay is well-formatted, and I didn’t encounter any major issues with structure. However, there were some minor grammar and punctuation mistakes, like overuse of commas and a few repeated words. These are easily fixable, and they don’t detract too much from the readability of the script. The pacing is well-done, moving smoothly between dream sequences and the more somber moments in Dennis and Caroline’s reality. I really appreciated the way the dream scenes added depth to their relationship, offering a glimpse into the joy they shared before Caroline’s illness.
One thing that stood out to me though is how Dennis and Caroline are written as being in their 50s, but their behavior and dialogue feel more suited to a much older couple, perhaps in their 70s or 80s. Their interactions don’t quite fit the typical profile of Gen Xers, and it threw me off a bit. If this were set as a period piece, it might make more sense, but as a modern drama, I think that aspect could be reworked to better reflect their generation.
In Our Dreams is a touching, emotionally rich screenplay that delves into the struggles of caregiving and the endurance of love through life’s hardest challenges. I believe those who appreciate heartfelt, character-driven stories will find this one particularly moving.
Comedy
Troop 458
WARNING! This review contains SPOILERS!
Troop 458, written by Trevor Allen, captures the often daunting, yet transformative, experience of being the new kid in a world full of unknowns. We follow Sidney, an anxious boy thrown into his first Boy Scouts campout, where he faces both the perils of acceptance and the strangeness of his eccentric scout leader. As spooky campfire tales start to weave into reality, Sidney is forced to confront his fears head-on, finding moments of humor, adventure, and unexpected camaraderie along the way.
I like the concept of Troop 458 because it blends coming-of-age themes with a playful sense of adventure, all wrapped in an atmosphere tinged with just the right amount of mystery. Allen’s writing brings to life a cast of memorable characters, especially through Sidney’s journey of growth. The tension between humor and fear feels authentic to the Boy Scouts’ setting, and it captures the real challenges kids face when trying to fit in.
What resonated with me most was the screenplay’s exploration of courage—not just in facing mythical dangers but in embracing who you are, quirks and all. Some aspects could benefit from a clearer focus on character motivations and tighter pacing to keep the momentum strong, particularly during scenes that blur the line between myth and reality.
The dialogue is great in many places, offering humor that feels natural for a group of young scouts. There were moments where I felt the conversations could be a bit sharper or more distinct to heighten the comedic or emotional impact. Character development is a strong suit, with Sidney’s evolution being both relatable and satisfying, but secondary characters could have a bit more depth to elevate the ensemble.
Allen’s Troop 458 is polished, with solid grammar, spelling, and formatting that adhere to professional standards. The structure is clean and makes for an easy read, setting up scenes that are visually compelling.
Troop 458 delivers an enjoyable mix of humor, heart, and a touch of the supernatural, leaving me eager to see how it might come to life on screen.
Drama
Ellie
WARNING! This review contains SPOILERS!
Directed by Marcus Mejia
Ellie is a refreshing experience that pulled me right into the world of a young, shy man navigating a work meeting while secretly yearning for a bit of magic in his everyday life. We’re taken through his imaginative, musical daydream—a beautiful escape from reality that reveals his true desires. I loved how the film peeled back layers of his personality without a single word of dialogue. Instead, the music carried the narrative, and surprisingly, it worked so well.
Marcus Mejia did an excellent job blending dramedy elements to keep the film engaging. The moments of humor and more emotional beats make the film feel well-rounded. Mejia’s choice to swap dialogue for music was a bold move, and it paid off. I could feel the character’s internal struggles and hopes as the music brought out emotions words couldn’t.
The lighting felt intimate, almost like it was giving us a window into the protagonist’s soul, and the cinematography perfectly captured the whimsical tone of his daydreams. I noticed how smoothly the editing transitioned between reality and fantasy, which made the story’s pacing feel just right. The sound design was on point, with every beat of music syncing beautifully with the character’s emotional highs and lows.
I loved when the protagonist’s daydream overlapped with reality, creating this seamless blend that felt so relatable. I admired how it portrayed the quiet, unspoken dreams we all carry. It was a reminder of the power of our inner worlds and how much magic lies just beneath the surface of our everyday lives.
Ellie left a gentle yet lasting impression. It’s a unique, heartfelt short film that shows how creative risks can pay off. Ellie is a memorable journey that’s definitely worth the watch.
Drama
Finding Acceptance
Directed by Andrew DeBennett
WARNING! This review contains spoilers.
Watching “Finding Acceptance” was an experience that brought me back to those anti-bullying films we’d see in school assemblies. The story follows Mary, a new student in a wheelchair, navigating the often-tough world of school friendships. Initially, she faces teasing from her peers but finds a genuine friend in Liz, who even manages to extend kindness to Mary’s bully, Max. The message is straightforward and clear: acceptance and empathy matter.
I could see what the director was aiming for—Andrew DeBennett notes that the film was both a joy to create and a personal project. The heart of the story shines through, with Kaylah Pollock (Mary) and Laney Hansen (Liz) bringing warmth to their roles. Their connection feels genuine, even if the overall story feels a bit too familiar.
Technically, the film could have used some fine-tuning. The sound mix was rough, with the music often drowning out dialogue. The editing also felt choppy, making it harder to stay immersed in the story. The dialogue leaned into clichés—phrases like “loser” felt outdated and took away from the realism. The cinematography, however, was a bright spot, creating a warm, inviting feel that suited the film’s positive message.
I felt like the story could’ve benefited from more depth. The bullying that Mary faces is minimal, making her eventual friendships feel somewhat predictable. For younger audiences, this simplicity might be engaging and easy to digest, but it misses the chance to delve into the more complex aspects of acceptance.
In the end, “Finding Acceptance” delivers a positive, albeit simple, message. While it didn’t connect with me on a deeper level, I can see it being a useful film for educational settings, especially for younger viewers learning about kindness and friendship.
