Nicolas Cage stars as Paul Matthews, a listless family man and tenured professor with an affinity for evolutionary biology and anxiety regarding his own anonymity. One day, he discovers he has begun to appear in other people’s dreams at an exponential rate. As in life, his presence in these dreams is banal and non-intrusive – he’s simply there, staring indifferently at the fantasies and nightmares of strangers. Nonetheless, he becomes an overnight celebrity and is soon showered with the attention he has long been denied. But when Paul encounters a dreamer whose visions of him differ substantially from the norm, he finds himself grappling with the Faustian bargain of fame as his dream-selves start inexplicably becoming violent within their respective subconsciousness.
* * *
(GLASS SHATTERING)
(SOPHIE YELPING)
(WATER SPLASHING)
(LOUD SPLASH)
Dad, Dad.
It’s okay, sweetie.
Dad, Dad. Dad, help me!
Dad, please help me!
Please help me, please!
SOPHIE: And, um, I guess…
Yeah, and then I woke up.
Why didn’t I do anything?
I don’t know.
It’s like the third time now.
Why am I always just standing there?
Don’t make her feel guilty about her dreams, Paul.
You don’t see me that way, right?
That’s not how you think I’d react in real life.
If I was floating?
Do you remember that time you almost drowned?
How fast I reacted.
She was four.
I remember you telling me about it.
HANNAH: Bye.
JANET: Hannah!
Remember you have to stay home with Sophie tonight.
No, that’s tomorrow night.
No, the play is tonight. It was always tonight.
Really, she can’t be alone for, like, a few hours?
I don’t mind.
JANET: You already agreed to this.
HANNAH: Okay, fine. Bye.
So, should I just meet you there, or…
Yeah, probably.
I’m not sure how long it’ll take with Sheila, so…
Are you nervous?
No, not really.
I… I think it’ll be good.
I think she’ll understand,
hopefully apologize and that’ll be that.
Can you record it?
Are you serious?
Yeah.
Just the audio on your phone.
I want to hear how she reacts.
Oh, wow. (CHUCKLING)
So vindictive, Janet.
Yeah, I’ll think about it.
But you should go, you’re gonna be late.
No, I’ll be fine.
Have a good one.
PAUL: You, too.
So, when talking about adaptive strategies,
why does the zebra look the way it does?
You can spot it miles away,
so it’s not very functional, right?
Any theory on how the black and white stripes
could be a benefit?
No one?
From what we know, the camouflage isn’t effective
in terms of blending in with the environment.
Rather, it’s about blending in with the herd.
You see, predators need to identify their prey.
They can’t just attack the whole group.
(INDISTINCT WHISPERING)
So, if you stick your head out, you make yourself a target.
WOMAN: Yeah.
Does that make sense?
(INDISTINCT WHISPERING)
PAUL: Hi. Hey, focus.
Is this how it went?
No, it’s different now.
Do you want to share your discussion with the class?
Sorry. No.
Okay, because you just made yourselves a target
by speaking when you weren’t supposed to.
You get the analogy?
I get the analogy.
PAUL: Okay, good. So, in contrast,
can anyone think of instances where sticking out
can be an evolutionary benefit?
Yes.
Uh, mating?
Mating.
HOSTESS: Welcome to Madre.
Hi, I have a table, for Paul.
What?
HOSTESS: I’m sorry, don’t I know you?
I don’t know, do you?
Yeah, I…
Well, Osler, maybe. I’m… I’m a professor there.
HOSTESS: No. No, I didn’t go there.
Have you been with us lately?
No.
Yeah. Okay, uh, sorry. I’m just…
some major deja vu or…
Brian, right?
Paul.
SHEILA: Hi, Paul.
Oh, it’s so nice to see you.
Yeah, it’s been too long, Sheila.
I barely recognized you. Wow.
Oh, yeah? The beard maybe?
No, it’s the whole, you know…
(SIGHS)
(CHUCKLES)
So, how long are you in town for?
Just a few days, visiting my brother.
How’s everything with you?
You’re still at Osler, right?
Yeah, I am.
(SHEILA CHUCKLING)
And you’re publishing another paper, I heard.
Oh, yeah, uh, we’re just doing final revisions now.
So, it’s… it’s looking good.
Where’d you end up? Which publication?
Uh, do you want to… Should we look at the menu?
Yeah. Which publication, though?
Uh, Nature.
Nature?
Yeah. We’re happy about that.
I mean, it’s been a while, so, yeah.
(DRAMATIC INSTRUMENTAL GROWING IN VOLUME)
PAUL: Why haven’t you contacted me?
SHEILA: What?
PAUL: Why am I not being credited?
SHEILA: What do you mean?
PAUL: Oh, come on, swarm intelligence?
Ant colony algorithms?
SHEILA: Yeah.
Sounds awfully similar to my research now.
Well, I… Do you mean from grad school?
Yes. You weren’t even interested
in networks back then.
You were all about senescence. (CHUCKLES)
Yes, I… I… I mean, I’ve expanded my interests
over the last 30 years.
Are you using “antelligence”? You know I coined that, right?
I’m not using “antelligence.”
Look, there’s a big difference between talking about an idea
and actually doing all the work.
No, no, I’ve been working. I’ve got a book.
Uh, do you have a publisher?
Well, I… I want to finish it before I take it out.
I don’t want to be influenced by
any sort of corporate agenda.
Can I read a draft, or…
Oh, why?
Do you need more material?
Oh, come on, Paul.
Let’s be adults here.
How far along are you?
Well, I haven’t really started the actual sitting down
and writing portion of it yet, but…
So, this kind of ruins everything for me, Sheila.
It’s just a complete appropriation. I mean…
Can you at least just credit me?
There’s nothing wrong with just being a professor, Paul.
You don’t need to be a researcher, too.
Please, Sheila. I need this.
(PENSIVE MUSIC PLAYING)
JANET: Paul.
Jan.
Hi.
PAUL: You got the tickets?
Yeah. How’d it go?
PAUL: What, oh, you mean with Sheila?
Yeah.
Yeah. Well, yeah, you know, it’s technical.
I mean, she totally saw my argument,
but we didn’t fully, you know, resolve it yet.
Really? So, what’s next?
I’ll figure it out.
Okay. Well, was she defensive?
Did you record it?
No, no.
It kind of felt, you know, unethical or whatever.
You want to go inside?
Yeah.
(INDISTINCT CHATTER FROM ACTORS)
(PAUL BREATHING HEAVILY)
(APPLAUSE)
Paul. Paul!
WOMAN: Ah! I thought that was you.
Claire?
Yeah.
Hi, my God.
CLAIRE: Oh, it’s so good to see you.
You just saw the play?
Duh, yeah. Of course.
This is my wife, Janet.
Oh, hi.
Hi.
I’m Claire.
Hello, Janet.
When did you get married?
Oh, wow. That’s about, well, let’s see…
15 years.
Yeah, 15 years ago.
I’m so glad I ran into you.
You’ve been on my mind a lot lately.
I’m sorry. How do you two know each other?
Oh, well, Claire and I used to date.
Yeah.
Wild right?
(JANET CHUCKLES)
Anyway, you’ve been on my mind recently.
Yeah? I, uh… I haven’t thought about you in a while.
Okay. Good to know, I guess. (CHUCKLES)
Anyway, the reason that you’ve been on my mind
is because you keep popping up in my dreams.
Really?
CLAIRE: Yeah.
Like, a lot in the last few weeks.
It’s so strange.
You don’t do anything. You’re just there,
even if the dream’s completely unrelated to you.
Like the other night,
a good friend of mine was lying in the street,
hit by a car, bleeding, dying in my arms, right?
And then… this is just in the dream, of course.
And out of nowhere,
there you are, just strolling by.
(INTENSE INSTRUMENTAL)
Wow. I’m… Well, I mean, that is so strange.
So, I don’t intervene at all? I… I don’t help out?
CLAIRE: You’re still doing that?
What?
CLAIRE: Searching for the insult.
No, you don’t do anything, but it’s not like I blame you.
I was just gonna say that my therapist
suggested that I reach out.
That maybe you and I need to sort something out,
you know, subconsciously.
Did… did you know he was here?
No, no, no, I just happened to see you guys,
which feels like a sign, you know, synchronicity.
Okay. Okay. Yeah.
CLAIRE: Do you think we can grab a coffee or something?
You know, just catch up and stuff?
Yeah, we… we can do that. Sure, why not?
I mean, you know…
CLAIRE: Should I take your number?
Oh, uh…
Okay, yeah.
CLAIRE: Okay.
Put your number in there.
Did you like the play?
I did, yeah. Yeah.
What, you changed your last name?
Yeah, I took hers. We thought it was…
I thought it was appropriate. I wanted to.
CLAIRE: Right.
JANET: Why’d you get all red?
Well, I was just taken aback by the whole situation.
Wouldn’t you react the same
if some old boyfriend just cornered you like that?
JANET: I don’t think I’d turn into a stuttering fool.
I don’t think I was stuttering.
JANET: She seemed really happy to see you.
Well, yeah, but not becau… It’s because of these dreams.
JANET: Why are you defending her?
PAUL: Are you just trying to pick a fight with me right now?
JANET: No, I’m just nervous what this woman will do to you
when I’m not there.
Do to me?
What’s she gonna do to me?
Jump me?
Why did you ask if she was married?
PAUL: I was making conversation.
Okay. Well, maybe I’m exaggerating a little bit,
but I would be lying if I said I wasn’t worried at all.
That’s fair.
But I’m just meeting her for coffee, that’s it.
I love you.
Have you ever fantasized about other women?
Yeah, of course, I have.
JANET: But never cheated?
Oh, my God, Janet.
Do you really think I’m that cool?
Do you think I could handle
the emotional burden of having an affair?
(BOTH CHUCKLING)
No. No, you’re right.
Just try not to let your neuroticism hijack you.
Oh, come on. Not the gender psychology bullshit again.
We both know you score high in neuroticism.
It’s best to just own it and be pragmatic about it.
Yeah. Well, you score high in, uh, in… “assholeness.”
I… I score high in “assholeness”?
JANET: Yeah. So, just own it. Be pragmatic about it.
How about this?
I’ll keep it very formal when I meet her.
I won’t even smile.
She might like that.
(CHUCKLING) What?
She might like that.
Oh, no.
CLAIRE: Yeah, it’s just so…
Well, it’s just so intense, you know?
And I usually don’t even remember my dreams.
Wow. I… I feel like I want to apologize
for barging into your head like that.
No, it’s okay. It’s just funny, you know?
Anyway, thanks for meeting me.
Of course.
Um, there’s actually, um…
there’s something I want to ask you.
Oh, yeah?
CLAIRE: Mmhmm.
What?
CLAIRE: Would it be okay if I wrote about this?
What do you mean? In… in what way?
Well, I write for this magazine called The New Inquiry.
Really? You’re publishing?
CLAIRE: It’s just online.
It’s more like a blog. Nobody really reads it.
PAUL: What… what sort of stuff do you write about?
Mostly psychology. Jungian stuff.
Oh. (SCOFFS)
CLAIRE: Yeah, okay.
I knew you’d scoff at that.
PAUL: Sorry, I didn’t mean to.
What, you want to write about me?
No, I want to write about the dreams.
About randomly seeing you, just that.
It’s just… it’s just very on brand from what I do.
I mean, yeah, if you don’t portray me
as this inadequate loser, like in your dreams.
CLAIRE: You’re seriously insulted.
No, of course not. I’m joking.
CLAIRE: So, you’d be okay with it?
Yes. Yeah. Go ahead.
Yes.
Thank you. Yes.
(CHUCKLING)
What?
PAUL: No, it’s…
just my wife suspected you had ulterior motives.
Like what?
Well, that you still had feelings for me,
that you missed me.
Wait… really? (CHUCKLES)
That’s so funny. Why would she say that?
Oh, I… I mean, I don’t know, I…
Oh, shoot, I have to run.
Um, well, thank you.
Thanks for doing this, really.
Sure.
I guess I’ll, uh… I guess I’ll see you in my dreams.
Yeah, of course not.
CLAIRE: Thanks.
MILES: Is it him?
JESSIE: It’s Paul for sure.
MILES: That’s so weird.
We’re basically having the same dream.
JESSIE: I know, it’s so random. It’s just, like,
Paul, every night for some reason.
PAUL: Hi.
Hey.
You guys good?
JESSIE: Yeah. You?
Yeah.
JESSIE: So amazing.
(CONTINUES CHATTERING INDISTINCTLY)
(KNOCKING, DOOR OPENS)
What?
Have you been dreaming about me?
Have I been dreaming about you?
Yeah.
MAN: Ever in my life, you mean?
No, recently.
I don’t know. I don’t keep track of things like that.
You’re kind of freaking me out. What’s going on?
Nothing.
(RUMBLING)
Can we please put our phones away
and have a real conversation?
So, how was school today, Sophie?
(PHONE RINGING)
Dad.
It’s fine,
I’ll call them back later.
Tell me about your day.
Can you turn the sound off at least?
Yes, I’ll do that next time.
It’ll stop soon.
Sophie, didn’t you guys decide which character you’re going to
be for the… for the play or…
Yeah.
(RINGING CONTINUES)
Let me just hang up.
I have to take this.
That’s not allowed.
Richard, hi.
RICHARD: (ON PHONE) Is this a good time? You have a minute?
Yeah. What’s going on?
So, uh, where do I start?
Oh, wow. It sounds serious.
No, it’s funny.
You know sometimes I have these dinner parties, right?
Yeah. Is this finally the invite?
No, it’s, uh… I just had one.
Oh, okay, and?
(CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYING)
So, I’ve told my husband this ad nauseam,
but it’s about a recurring dream I’ve had,
or not so much a specific dream
but a specific person I keep dreaming about.
He looks perfectly average.
He’s a remarkable nobody that just shows up.
He just occupies the space like an awkward guest
at a party that no one really knows.
You mean like Sydney?
Yeah.
(LAUGHTER)
NAOMI: No, I mean…
I have also… I’ve… I’ve also had that experience.
I already told Richard about it.
I did, I told you…
Yes, and I’m kind of upset,
to tell you the truth.
She’s dreaming about another man.
Yeah, very similar to yours, Naomi.
Except in my case, it’s this… this guy that we sort of know.
This old friend of Richard’s, Paul.
Well, we went to the same university.
He’s actually not that memorable.
He’s kind of boring.
(LAUGHTER)
I… I don’t get why you’re so into him.
I’m not into him.
So, what does he look like?
Well, he does actually kind of look like Sydney.
(LAUGHTER)
Do you have a picture?
(OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
(INAUDIBLE DIALOGUE)
(MUSIC INTENSIFIES)
(LOUD DISTANT THUDDING)
Paul?
Oh, my God.
Paul. Paul!
RICHARD: (ON PHONE) Hello.
Oh, my God.
RICHARD: (ON PHONE) Are you there?
JANET: Hey, what…
what happened?
Hey.
(CLOCK TICKING)
PAUL: Janet!
There… there… there’s, like, 100 messages on here.
Probably Claire’s article.
She must have linked it to my profile or something.
Somebody wants to interview me.
Why are you so excited?
Why? What’s wrong?
This is strange, Paul.
Maybe you should take a minute and think
before you do anything drastic.
(LOUD BREATHING)
Why me? Uh, I don’t know,
I’m special, I guess. (CHUCKLES)
REPORTER: An area man has found himself at the center of
a strange dream epidemic,
which scientists are struggling to make sense of.
DOCTOR: (ON TV) So we actually don’t know what’s causing this,
but it’s sort of like a dream version of the Mandela effect,
which is when multiple people report having the same
false memory without any logical explanation.
Now, then there’s something called
astral projections, right?
No, Mom, I don’t know.
This is a spiritual type of dream visitation.
Scientifically, this is dubious, of course,
but it has been reported.
I didn’t do anything.
It… it’s a very interesting time in my field…
This is gonna be so weird to explain at school.
REPORTER: Our online poll shows thousands of reports of the phenomenon.
What are you getting so upset for, Mom? I’m fine.
I’m missing the whole segment now.
PAUL: (ON TV) But I’m always inclined to think, rationally,
that anything supernatural
has to be socially constructed.
But this one is, uh, mysterious, even for me.
(STUDENTS CHATTERING)
(APPLAUSE, CHEERING)
Okay. Okay. Please calm down.
Calm down.
Thank you.
Who’s really here for the lecture on kin selection?
Show of hands.
Okay, the rest of you, I’ll give you five minutes
before I start the lecture, okay?
Ask me anything.
Yes, you?
How does it feel to go viral?
PAUL: Huh.
Well, we can discuss that when we get to memetics
later this year.
Yes, you?
Why is this happening?
I have no clue.
My guess would be as good as yours.
Are you gonna do, like, Stephen Colbert or anything?
(STUDENTS LAUGH)
(CHUCKLES) Oh, not a chance.
I actually enjoy my anonymity, if you can believe that.
Okay. You!
I think maybe I had a dream about you
but it’s, like, super blurry and, like,
I wanna, like, be better at remembering them.
And, uh, how do I do that?
I’m not really an expert here.
Keeping a dream journal is a common exercise,
but isn’t seeing me in class enough?
(LAUGHTER)
Who’s certain they’ve actually had a dream about me?
Okay. Let’s explore this.
This might get us somewhere interesting.
Does anyone want to share the content of their dream?
Yes, you?
Well, um. (CLEARS THROAT)
I’m in this forest,
wandering around, eating these strange mushrooms,
and I’m in, like, a full tuxedo for some reason.
And there’s other people also dressed up,
but they’re all scared, like, frozen in fear.
And then I realize it’s because of this
really tall man running towards me.
(OMINOUS INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING)
(PANTING)
Hide.
Are you talking to me?
Yes, Paul, he’ll kill us.
Paul!
I’ve never seen these.
Beautiful.
ANDY: No! No!
And that’s all I remember.
(CHUCKLING)
Ah. Interesting.
So, I’m looking at the mushrooms
instead of helping?
Oh, I suppose, yeah.
Okay, let’s hear another one. Anyone?
(RUMBLING, SHOUTING)
(THUDDING, SHATTERING)
(SCREAMING)
(CHUCKLING)
Okay, so, I’m just observing again.
But that’s funny. (CHUCKLES)
Interesting one.
Anyone else?
(OMINOUS INSTRUMENTAL)
(STUDENTS CHUCKLING)
Huh.
(GROWLING)
(CHUCKLING)
It ends like that?
Yeah.
That’s, uh, that’s all I can remember.
Does anyone have a more original one?
Maybe one where I’m actually doing something.
No one?
Okay, well, let’s just hear them anyway.
Who’s next?
(WHIMSICAL INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING)
Dad.
Oh, my God, delete that.
No, it’s fine. I’m just sending it to Kyle.
Who’s Kyle?
Tammy’s friend.
He doesn’t believe you’re my dad for some reason.
Oh, you guys are flirting?
No, um, he was just asking about you.
So, I’m finally cool, huh?
Well, I wouldn’t go that far.
You hear that, Janet?
She’s saying I’m a cool dad now.
I didn’t… I didn’t say that.
Can you drive me to school today?
You want me to?
SOPHIE: Mmhmm.
I guess I can make it.
Janet, does that work?
Yeah, take her.
Dude, this is so insane.
Like, how’s he dealing with all this?
We’re not even the type of people that like attention,
you know?
Right.
So, the whole thing is so bizarre.
So bizarre. So bizarre.
My sister is actually, like,
starstruck that I know you, you know?
She sent me this article and she’s like,
“Check this guy out, Paul.”
And I was like, “Uh, that’s Paul Matthews.
“I know his wife.”
That’s so funny.
Yeah. Also, I was listening
to this podcast that I like.
They were talking about Paul.
JANET: Oh, yeah?
Yeah.
They were relating Paul to, like, this old internet meme.
And then they were talking about how, like,
all memes will become dreams
or something like that.
Oh, that’s interesting.
MAN: It is interesting.
How is the museum going, by the way?
The what?
The museum.
Oh, yeah, yeah, yeah.
No, it’s good. It’s good.
I feel like there’s a few challenges for us
to still wrap up, but overall it’s going good.
Thanks for asking.
Great.
Mmhmm.
I know it’s not my project…
MAN: Mmhmm.
…but I’d love to be involved somehow.
Oh, yeah.
No, thanks. I mean, I…
I feel like we’re in a pretty good position.
Yeah. You know,
just if you want to bounce ideas or want some feedback.
Yeah. No. Yeah, I think, uh, yeah, yeah, yeah.
You just want to bounce ideas back and maybe just… yeah.
PAUL: I thought you weren’t on that project.
Well, I wasn’t, but now Chris wants me on.
PAUL: Well, that’s great.
I’m happy for you.
Thank you.
We also got an invite to one of Richard’s famous
dinner parties.
Really? When?
On the 5th.
Can you believe it, after all these years?
I was tempted to say no, but I think we should go.
Hey, Paul.
Yeah?
Why do you suppose you’re not showing up in my dreams?
Well, because you get the real deal.
It wouldn’t be fair if you got both.
Are you jealous?
I don’t know. I mean,
rationally, I’m not, but…
Then maybe I should
give you a little visit.
What would you want me to do?
What would you want to see in your dream?
Wow. Um… I want to see you…
(GASPS)
Remember when you wore that Talking Heads suit
for Halloween?
PAUL: Yeah.
(CHUCKLES)
There was just something about it.
Something kind of weird and sexy.
You should wear that and save me
from, like, some situation.
That’s your sexual fantasy?
(CHUCKLES) Sky’s the limit here
and you sell it for me wearing a comically large suit.
JANET: I don’t know, I’m not good under pressure.
Just show up naked, on a horse, with a huge penis.
Is that better?
Who has a huge penis?
Me or the horse?
You.
I’m doing the David Byrne suit.
It’s been decided.
JANET: No, let me think about it.
No, no, no.
You immediately said the suit and that’s
what you’re getting.
Fine.
Do you think other people are seeing
you naked in their dreams?
Does that turn you on?
Does it turn me on?
Maybe somebody’s dreaming about me right now.
Yeah.
Maybe a bunch of people,
at the same time.
How many?
Hundreds? Maybe thousands?
Oh, that is so irresponsible of you.
I can’t accept that.
What are you gonna do about it?
I’m gonna make sure you stay right here.
(WIND WHOOSHING)
(LEAVES RUSTLING)
(DOOR OPENS, CREAKING FOOTSTEPS)
(WHOOSHING, CLATTERING)
(OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
(DOOR CREAKING)
(LOUD BREATHING)
STRANGER: I have to kill you, Paul.
I have to!
PAUL: What are you… what are you doing?
Who are you?
(JANET GASPS)
PAUL: Call the police.
What are you doing in our house?
I’m sorry, I’m sorry.
PAUL: Get out!
(WHIMPERING)
SOPHIE: Oh, my God.
PAUL: Hannah, Sophie, stay back!
SOPHIE: Mom! Mom!
JANET: Do something!
PAUL: Hannah…
Hannah, take Sophie to your room and lock the door.
STRANGER: I’m sorry.
Put down the knife.
I can’t, I have to kill you.
JANET: Do something, Paul!
STRANGER: (WHIMPERING) I have to. I have to.
He’s in our bedroom…
STRANGER: (WHIMPERING) I have to kill you.
He’s had manic episodes in the past.
It seems that he stopped taking his medications.
So… so, what’s gonna happen to him?
A psych evaluation, date with the court,
and then a judge will decide.
So, he might be back out?
DETECTIVE: After possibly serving a sentence, yes.
You know, fame can come with some
lessthandesirable side effects.
Strangers might want to talk to you,
some of them might be mentally unstable.
You should be prepared for that.
I’m not getting a gun.
Well, I’m not necessarily talking weapons.
You have no alarm in the house.
You had an unlocked entry point.
That makes you vulnerable.
You could consider a dog.
PAUL: Sophie, our daughter, is allergic.
DETECTIVE: Well, then you may want to consider
moving to a new house.
Keep your phone number and address unlisted.
JANET: No, we’re not moving, I grew up in this house.
DETECTIVE: (CLEARS THROAT) Security cameras, tasers,
strengthening your deadbolts,
securing your windows, selfdefense classes.
It seems like you were pretty helpless in this situation.
(SIGHS)
Maybe we should cool this thing off.
You know, this is why I was skeptical in the first place.
Oh, you knew specifically that this would happen?
JANET: This kind of thing, Paul. Strange consequences.
I think she’s right.
Take it as a warning.
I really feel like you’re playing with fire here.
What do you mean, what am I doing?
Going on TV, playing along with the story.
This thing is clearly working like catnip for lunatics.
What do you mean, playing along?
BRETT: Do you actually believe people are
randomly dreaming about you?
You don’t think it’s because you’re popping up
all over the news and on the internet?
Yeah, maybe that accounts for some of it,
but it doesn’t really explain everything.
Okay, so, you think something magical is happening?
Well, why is it just me?
Why not you, or anyone else for that matter?
(SCOFFS) So, you believe in metaphysics
if it proves you’re special?
No.
I don’t know, I’m still processing it.
But that guy was just some delusional man
with his own wild ideas.
I don’t think that’s going to be a recurring event.
But why risk it?
Well, if people know who I am, it’s just easier
for me to get my foot in the door.
Which door are we talking about here, Paul?
A publisher, for the book I want to write.
Oh, okay.
Am I sensing a little midlife crisis here?
Oh, come on.
You’re the one who just bought a fucking Kawasaki!
Okay. Calm down.
Paul?
PAUL: Hi, yes.
MOLLY: Hi, I’m Molly. They’re ready for you upstairs.
Great.
(LAUGHS)
What?
It… it… it’s nothing.
No, come on.
It’s just really weird to see you in real life.
Oh, you’ve been…
Nonstop every night.
It’s crazy, man.
Wow. Well, I hope I’m behaving.
(CHUCKLES SOFTLY) Well, no, you’re not. No, not at all.
Got Paul here.
TRENT: There you are.
Here I am.
Paul. Trent, hey.
I have been dreaming about this meeting.
Aw, yeah, me, too.
Really?
PAUL: Oh, you mean literally dreaming?
You know, I’ve actually had dreams about this very meeting.
I mean, I just think they were just normal dreams.
Not part of the whole, who’s this weird guy in my dreams?
Oh, uh… I’m weird?
No, I mean, you’re not weird. No, the whole thing is weird, right?
I mean, Molly’s dreams have been nuts…
Trent!
TRENT: If you wanna talk about weird.
But this is my colleague, Mary Wiggins.
PAUL: Hi.
Hi, Paul. (CHUCKLES)
TRENT: Sit down.
PAUL: Here?
Wherever you want.
Yeah.
How are you? How’s life?
Well, uh, things have been pretty different
since, you know… since the dreams started.
How fun is that?
I mean, I wish I was the one people were dreaming about.
Me, too.
PAUL: Yeah.
No, it’s… it’s something.
Well, we’re… we’re just so excited to have you here.
MARY: Oh, yeah, we’re really fired up.
Um, it’s probably really overwhelming,
right, to walk into a room like this.
It’s like, “Who are these people?
What am I doing here?”
Maybe we should back up and just talk about what we do.
Yeah, yeah, so, we started Thoughts earlier this year,
so we’re a pretty new agency.
Ah.
TRENT: And we focus mostly online,
sort of trying to holistically pair brands
and more, shall we say, unconventional celebrities,
if that makes sense?
And I think of you, right now, in this moment,
Paul, as the most interesting person in the world.
What? (LAUGHS)
TRENT: I mean it, I mean it.
No, we don’t just throw that around.
No, we really don’t throw that around.
TRENT: I mean, the advantage that you have, Paul,
is that your impact is… is not just tied
to any one social arena.
I mean, you’re not just famous for people on TikTok
or for people who read, say, the New Yorker,
you’re in people’s minds when they sleep.
Which means that anyone who’s dreaming,
you know, could be your audience.
How amazing is that?
Who can say that?
(STUTTERS)
You know, is that a big enough audience?
(LAUGHING)
Yeah.
So, you know, we’ve been brainstorming
a bunch of cool ideas
that we want to talk about with you.
But before we get into any of that,
we were just kind of curious what you’re thinking, you know,
where do you wanna go, what do you want to achieve?
What are your dreams?
MARY: What are your dreams?
Well, I’ve been meaning to write a book
for a few years now.
Just never found the time, so…
Okay, so, you’re a writer?
That’s awesome.
You know, we… we talked about selling
your life rights to a movie studio, actually.
Oh, because with all the buzz around this,
I think we could probably get a sixfigure deal.
And that’s just life rights.
PAUL: Really?
MARY: Yeah.
Life rights?
TRENT: Yeah.
The rights to your life.
Anyway, here’s somewhere cool
that we thought might be a good place to start.
Sprite.
(SIGHS) Sprite.
Sprite?
MARY: Yeah.
Yeah. They… they want us to run their social.
I think somebody over there must have lost their minds
or something, but they’re down
to go pretty weird with it.
So, we thought it could be fun
if maybe they, like, Tweet a new photo of you
every night holding a can, you know,
with a fun little caption,
just to really manifest that connection
in people’s minds and to hopefully alter
the phenomenon, at least temporarily,
to make people dream about you and the product together.
MARY: How amazing would that be, right?
And if we couldn’t figure that out,
we could always just suggest that it did work
and we could build stories around that.
Yeah. Absolutely.
I mean, if we fail altogether, then we…
that’s kind of a fun story, too.
You know, like, we tried to make people dream
about Sprite and it didn’t work.
I mean, it’s so dumb…
MARY: I love that.
…that it’s kind of cool, you know, it kind of works.
Can I just…
Yeah.
Can we go back to the book?
What book?
PAUL: My book.
The book I wanna write?
I just want to make it clear
that I actually don’t want this whole phenomenon
to be what I’m known for.
I don’t want that to be the main thing
on my Wikipedia, you know?
Okay. So, what are you thinking?
Well, I’m an evolutionary biologist.
That’s what I’ve dedicated my life to.
So, whatever we do, I want it to be related
to my doctorate.
Wow. Wow. Okay. See, I…
I didn’t know about that at all.
Well, you’re famous for the dreams, right?
I mean, that’s… that’s why anyone’s interested.
So, it might be a bit of a stretch
to get you into a totally different space.
MARY: Yeah.
I’m a tenured professor. I’m already in the space.
Well, you know, just to give us a point of contact
as to what we’re talking about,
who are some of the big names that you like
in that space?
Yeah.
Well, there’s a bunch, Robert Sapolsky.
His career has been pretty admirable.
Oh, is he, um…
No, I don’t think I’m familiar with him, actually.
Herman Tig, maybe?
Who?
Herman Tig.
Yeah. No, I know that name.
PAUL: Oh, you do?
Yeah.
Well, these are not really celebrities, I suppose.
No, that’s the point, I don’t care about fame.
I just see this as an opportunity
to get some recognition for my work.
You know, one door opening another door?
Yeah. No, I get that.
You’re talking about an audience pivot,
which I think is very smart.
I just don’t know if you can pivot that hard
right now without a significant dropoff.
I mean, a book about what, plants?
Yeah, well, I’m not really interested in doing Sprite ads.
No, no, no. Well, that’s just one example, though, Paul.
I mean, we have a ton of ideas.
Oh, that is just the very tip of the iceberg.
We have so many ideas.
Um, one idea we had was
to make Obama dream about you.
That would get you into some of those highculture spaces
you’ve been mentioning.
I know Malia, so we can make it happen.
Maybe this isn’t really what I’m looking for.
I don’t think we’re really speaking
the same language here.
TRENT: No, Paul.
If that’s how you’re feeling, then I’m failing, okay?
Can we just can… can… can I… can we start over?
(LAUGHS)
I just thought you guys could help me find a publisher.
I… I… I…
First off,
I would like to apologize.
I lied earlier. I never dreamt about you.
I just thought that would be a fun way
to start the meeting, okay?
But what is absolutely true
is that I have been thinking about you a lot
and I just really feel that we’re gonna do
something very special together.
So let’s just say we go forward with your plant book.
I never said anything about plants.
Oh, no. Your… your book about evolutionary…
Plants.
It’s about ants.
Ants.
TRENT: Ants.
Oh. Oh.
TRENT: Okay, great.
Well, let’s say we go forward with that.
We’ll help you set that up.
Really?
TRENT: Yes. I just…
I really wanna work with you, Paul.
I mean, like I said,
most interesting person in the world.
Okay, but then no ads, no Sprite.
We’re focusing on the book.
Yes, and, you know,
if you’re not feeling Sprite, we’ll respect that.
I would just ask in return that you hear out
our pitches and just keep an open mind, you know,
especially with things like Sprite because, you know,
the door is kind of wide open there…
MARY: Yeah.
…right now.
And they’re… they’re ready to have
that conversation with you.
And that door closes, I’ll just say.
Yeah, okay.
So, plans for the night?
Oh, no, I’ve got a really early flight back, so…
If you want to get a drink, just let me know.
I can come near you, if that’s easier.
They have you at the Ace, right?
PAUL: They were so great.
They really know their stuff.
They’re gonna set me up with a publisher
and get the book rolling.
JANET: (ON PHONE) Wow, that’s great!
Now you just have to write it.
PAUL: Yeah, of course.
So, what did they say?
They called me the most interesting person
in the world right now.
JANET: Aw. (CHUCKLES)
What?
No, nothing.
I’m sure that’s very flattering.
No, they specifically said
they didn’t just throw that around.
Okay.
I don’t think they were just saying it
to make me feel good, Janet,
they’re already talking to big clients
who want to work with me.
Like who?
Like, I mean… well, and this is just one example,
but they mentioned Sprite.
Sprite? You’re gonna work with Sprite?
MAN: (ON PHONE) Janet.
JANET: I’ll be right there.
Who’s there?
JANET: Chris.
Our deadline is tomorrow,
so we’re just here finishing up.
Right.
Where are the kids?
They’re out trick or treating with Kyle.
Oh, Kyle.
Okay.
Yeah, well, congrats, Paul,
I’ll see you tomorrow, then.
Yeah, okay.
Well, they… they also talked about Obama, too,
like maybe he’ll dream about me.
JANET: Okay.
PAUL: I… I’m just saying it wasn’t just Sprite.
JANET: You don’t have to impress me, Paul.
I love you.
PAUL: I love you, too.
JANET: Okay. See you tomorrow.
PAUL: Yeah. Bye.
MOLLY: Did you read that article about people
dreaming backward in Australia?
No.
It’s ’cause of, like,
the gravitational pull or something.
They mentioned you in it, so…
How do they dream in China, then?
Upside down? (LAUGHS)
So, how long have you been a professor?
Oh, wow. I think, what, about 20 years, since ’96.
I was born in ’96.
Check, please!
No, no, I’m kidding.
Like… like… like, you’re too young for me.
Aren’t you married?
PAUL: No, I wasn’t implying…
It’s a joke.
Yeah, no, I mean, I get it.
PAUL: Oh, okay.
But yeah, I… I am married.
How about you?
No.
I’m not really, like, seeing anyone or anything.
I’m, like, focusing on my career right now.
You know?
PAUL: Yeah.
You mean with the agency?
You hated it so much, didn’t you?
No, it’s just, it kind of felt like…
Like a cult.
Yeah. Sort of.
I mean, I tried telling them, like,
“He’s a super smart professor.
“Like, he’s gonna see through the bullshit.”
But honestly, though, like, the Sprite thing is cool.
You should do it.
PAUL: Yeah?
Yeah.
I’m struggling to imagine
anyone seeing my face and immediately craving a Sprite.
I would.
Can I ask you something?
MOLLY: Yeah, what?
I felt like you implied something
earlier about your dreams.
It’s embarrassing.
What, do I… do I act weird or something?
I don’t know if I should say.
Well, it’s just dreams, I won’t judge.
You don’t really get to decide what happens, so…
Um, well, um…
we fuck.
Really?
I have the most intense sex dreams.
Usually, I’m, like, home and it’s late
and I’m alone and I’m, like, watching TV or something.
And then…
Is someone there?
Who are you?
Hello?
Who are you?
How did you get in here?
Please don’t hurt me.
(MOLLY SIGHS)
I’m so wet.
(EXHALES)
I’m sorry, I’ve had, like, one drink
and I’m, like, no filter.
No, no, it’s fine. It’s fine.
MOLLY: No, it’s so graphic, I’m sorry.
I’m glad you told me.
Usually, what I hear is I’m just
passively hanging around.
It’s kind of nice to hear I’m doing something.
Well, I guess I’m lucky.
Well, I don’t know about that.
No, it’s so good. Trust me.
Do you want another drink? I need another drink.
Martini, right?
Dirty.
Can I… can I get another cabernet and…
and one martini, please?
(MUFFLED MUSIC PLAYING)
And that’s the thing with the zebras.
The camouflage is for blending in with the herd
because the lion can’t just hunt the whole group.
It has to identify a single target, right?
What?
MOLLY: Sorry, but those people are staring at us.
I mean, at you, obviously.
Jesus, should we not be here,
maybe, or should we just…
Why? What’s wrong?
PAUL: No, I mean… I just…
I don’t want any rumors if I’m meeting with Obama.
What do you mean?
PAUL: No, I mean,
I… I’m not used to this.
Should we, um…
What?
I can’t get it out of my head and I’m, like,
here with you and, like, fuck it, okay.
Can you do me a favor?
(SOFT STRING MUSIC PLAYING)
MOLLY: Yeah, so, this is me.
It’s nice. Small and nice.
MOLLY: Yeah, well, I don’t have rich parents, so…
No, it wasn’t a jab.
I mean, it’s cozy.
You’ve done a good job.
MOLLY: Sit down.
(SIGHS)
So…
So… This is insane.
You have no fucking idea how crazy this is to me.
I shouldn’t even be here.
No, don’t leave.
I… I think I’m a bit drunk.
Me, too. Just stay.
You just got here, just stay for a second.
Is that a fixed gear?
No, it’s, uh, like, a regular one.
So, how do we do this?
Oh, um…
I feel like I want to change first.
Is that cool?
Sure.
Okay. Okay, two seconds.
Everything good?
Yeah.
Um, so, where do you want me?
Could you remove your jacket?
Sure.
Okay, now, would you stand in that corner over there?
Over there?
Yeah.
Get all the way up against the wall.
Okay, so, did that work for…
Sorry, shut up.
Just… can you just… can you just go on a little more?
Just, you know, I’m… I’m married.
I know, we can stop any time you like.
Just please let me just… a little longer.
This time, please don’t speak. Just do the dream.
Who are you?
Please don’t hurt me.
Touch me.
(BREATHES DEEPLY)
What?
It’s just… in the dreams you, like…
you usually take the lead.
Yeah.
What do you want?
(FLATULENCE)
Oh.
I’m sorry. It’s just nerves.
It’s okay. Don’t worry.
The body sometimes…
Yeah. It’s fine.
Biologically speaking, it’s actually quite…
It’s… it’s fine. Relax.
It’s… it’s healthy.
Okay.
Okay.
(EXHALES)
(GRUNTING)
Did you just come?
(FLATULENCE)
(EXHALES)
(DOOR CLOSES)
(GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING)
(SPEAKING INAUDIBLY)
(DRONES)
(SCREAMS)
(EERIE MUSIC PLAYING)
PAUL: Fuck!
Fuck!
Fuck.
Fuck.
(GRUNTING) Yeah, you fuck!
Fuck!
(KNOCKS ON DOOR)
Professor, what’s going on?
Can I come in?
GRETA: Why?
I need help with something.
Okay.
What?
PAUL: I don’t want to stand here
in the hallway and explain.
Well, can it wait? I’m in the middle of something.
Just five minutes.
(EXHALES) I’ll come out.
Would be better if we sat down.
What’s… what’s going on?
That was a mistake.
What do you mean?
What just happened, that was a mistake.
(TENSE MUSIC PLAYING)
You shouldn’t have done that.
(CHUCKLES) I don’t understand.
You’re just so fucking stupid sometimes.
Do you know that? Have you heard that before?
Okay. Okay.
Please leave.
(THUNDER RUMBLING)
(CHOKING)
(GRUNTING)
(CHOKING)
(GRUNTING)
(SINISTER TONE)
(THUD)
(GROANING)
Where is everyone?
I’m not really sure.
I’m shocked.
Yeah, and they got worse.
Some are even sexual in nature,
so they don’t feel comfortable being in your class right now.
Jesus, they had some bad dreams
and now they’re not gonna show up for class?
I mean, we can’t just accept that.
(SCOFFS) I don’t know what to do here. I mean, obviously,
I have to take the students’ concerns seriously, too.
Well, yes, of course.
But isn’t this a bit of an overreaction?
They’re dreams. It’s not real.
I’m not actually doing anything to them.
As I said before, this is new territory.
Um, I think I just need to consult with HR.
Do you, Brett, as my friend,
and not speaking as the Dean of Osler,
think that we should pause this semester
because some students are having bad dreams?
Well, I haven’t had one of these dreams,
so I can’t speak to the…
No, no, no, don’t say lived experience.
But it sounds like they’ve actually been traumatized.
Trauma is a trend these days.
It is a joke. Everything is trauma.
Arguing with a friend is trauma,
getting bad grades is trauma.
They need to grow up.
(KNOCKING)
Hi.
Richard, it’s been too long.
Are we the first ones?
(DOOR CLOSES)
Uh, actually, it’s… it’ll just be us.
Really? I thought this was gonna be one of your famous
bringpeopletogether things.
Uh, we thought it’d be nicer, just us four.
Okay, yeah. More wine for us.
(IMITATES CHUGGING)
(JANET CHUCKLING)
Cheers, guys.
Cheers.
(INSTRUMENTAL MUSIC PLAYING)
So, Carlota, I heard you’re at a new practice now.
Yeah, I am.
Yeah?
Yes.
This is so good, by the way.
Oh, my gosh, these Brussels sprouts are amazing.
Yeah, we got them at, uh…
Shelly’s.
Ah.
So, I’m starting to think that maybe Nick Bostrum was right
about the simulation theory.
That would sure explain a lot about my situation.
Yeah, remember Nick, Carlota?
Swedish guy, philosopher at Oxford.
He was here?
Yeah, once or twice.
You should invite us both next time.
He’d probably love to speak with me.
Wasn’t I even the one who told you about him?
No, I don’t think so.
Carlota, are you still doing your pottery?
(COUGHS)
(CARLOTA COUGHING)
(THUDDING) Ah.
Oh, don’t be so rough.
What?
You’re slamming my back.
Sorry.
Is… is everything good?
She had a… a rough day at work today.
PAUL: Ah.
So…
PAUL: Okay.
Oh, no. What’s the matter?
(GRUNTING)
(SCREAMS)
Sorry, can’t do this. I can’t.
PAUL: What the hell is going on?
I have no idea.
Richard.
Richard, what’s wrong?
Uh, guys, uh… I think we’re gonna have to wrap this up.
Carlota isn’t feeling well.
Oh, no. Is she ill?
It… (SIGHS) It’s you, Paul.
She’s had some pretty brutal nightmares lately.
Oh, wow. I just couldn’t… (SPUTTERING)
I’m so sorry, you could have told us.
I convinced her not to cancel.
I shouldn’t have done that.
(SIGHS)
Well, shouldn’t the three of us still finish, though?
It’d be a waste to just…
No, you… you have to leave.
Really?
RICHARD: Yeah, really.
Why do you think no one else is here?
The basic idea with cognitive behavioral therapy
is that we’ll go through gradual exposure
to what we feel is threatening us
to familiarize with it, instead of fearing it.
What doesn’t kill us makes us stronger, right?
I know a lot of you have had
very upsetting dreams about your professor.
These dreams suggest that Paul Matthews
is a harmful person.
So, your mind is trying to protect you,
make you safe by creating certain emotional triggers.
Motivating you to avoid him.
I want to diffuse those triggers
by showing you that Paul
is, in fact, a kind, loving, harmless human being.
Okay. I’m going to invite Paul into the room.
He’s gonna step inside that door,
all the way over there
and he’s gonna stay at that safe distance
until everybody feels comfortable
to invite him closer.
If anyone feels unsafe, calmly state,
“Candice, I do not feel safe in this moment.”
Does everybody understand that?
ALL: Yes.
All right. Paul!
Okay. That wasn’t so bad, was it?
Let’s have him step forward.
Come just a little bit closer.
Paul.
Paul isn’t gonna hurt you.
Can we have him come just a little bit closer?
Paul, step closer, please.
So…
Leah, wait.
Look what you did…
(INDISTINCT)
(STUDENTS MURMURING)
(TENSE MUSIC PLAYING)
(STUDENTS MURMURING)
(TENSE MUSIC PLAYING)
Hey! Hey!
Who did this?
Tell me now.
Stop being little fucking brats.
Who the fuck did this?
Fuck you, Matthews.
STUDENT: Go home!
STUDENT: Why don’t you just quit, Paul?
Bye, Paul.
Bye.
Bye.
(CAR DOOR CLOSES)
So, what did Brett say?
See it as a little vacation.
Can you believe it? (CHUCKLING)
I’m a tenured professor and they’re basically
just letting the students run the school.
So, how long are you not gonna be working?
I don’t even know if I want to go back at this point.
I should just go all in with the book.
So, like, what did you do? Why did everything change?
I didn’t do anything, Hannah.
You must have done something.
Well, I didn’t, so…
Have you seen Twitter?
No.
It’s like thousands of people
sharing nightmares about, like…
like, torture and rape and…
Enough, okay?
New rule.
No phones at the table and no discussion of the dreams, okay?
I’m just saying, like, I… I understand…
Okay, you already broke the rule, Hannah.
So, let’s just start over.
No mention of this at the table ever again, please.
Are you gonna clean that stuff off the car?
They’re kicking me off the project?
I think that they just want to be extra careful moving into
the final stages, just as a precautionary measure.
(EXHALES) Because of Paul?
Yeah. You know, I’m against cancel culture
and all of that stuff, I really am.
But I think that just right now maybe it would be best
if you kept a lower profile, you know?
Just until the whole, like, scandal situation blows over.
Does that make sense?
(SCOFFS)
They call you Freddy Krueger at school.
Oh? Do you know who that is?
I Googled it.
Yeah, they’re just trying to tease you.
Julian said that you tied him up
and cut his toes off and ate them.
Do you think I would cut someone’s toes off?
No.
Dreaming is like a psychosis, Sophie.
Our brain decides to start hallucinating while we sleep.
It’s part of its housekeeping process.
We need that to happen, for some reason.
But why are you so mean in the dreams?
It’s their dreams. I have nothing to do with it.
You understand that, right?
I guess.
I think I’m going to stay home tomorrow.
So, if you need me to cook or something…
Who’s Molly?
What?
You have texts from someone named Molly?
Oh, she’s the assistant at the agency.
She’s setting up a call.
Mm.
You never mentioned her.
(GENTLE PIANO MUSIC PLAYING)
Hey, it’s Paul.
I… I was just calling to say hi.
Okay, we can do it another time.
I just… just wanted to catch up. Yep.
No worries. Okay, bye.
Byebye.
TRENT: (ON PHONE) Two seconds, Paul.
I’m just trying to connect Mary to the call.
Yeah, no problem.
MOLLY: Hi, Paul.
Who’s this?
MOLLY: It’s Molly, I’m just listening in.
Hi, Molly. How are you?
TRENT: Hello? Is everybody on?
I’m here, Trent.
TRENT: Hey, Mary, you on?
MOLLY: Oh! Oh, Trent,
sorry, Mary just texted me and she had the wrong link.
PAUL: Should we just start?
TRENT: Um, yeah.
MARY: Hello?
TRENT: Hey, there you are.
MARY: Can you guys hear me?
(PAUL SIGHS)
TRENT: Yeah. Paul?
Yeah, I can hear you. What’s going on, guys?
MARY: Okay, hi. What a crazy week, right?
So, obviously, we have to change strategies here
to adapt to the current situation.
Is Obama still a thing?
That might be helpful now, right?
MARY: What?
Obama, you said you guys were talking to Obama, right?
MARY: Oh, I’m… Obama is not an option anymore, Paul.
TRENT: Yeah. No. So, Paul, we’re… we’re talking about
a complete 180. We have to think fresh.
Corporate culture won’t touch this. It’s too risky.
MARY: Yeah, but we are getting positive signals
from a different venue. The whole,
I don’t wanna say altright,
but the kind of antiestablishment space,
you know, kind of the Jordan Peterson route.
TRENT: Yeah, we can maybe get you on Rogan or something.
Share your experience of being cancelled and just, like,
pivot that combo to the plant book.
Guys, no. I hate that idea.
MARY: Uhhuh. So, just so we can understand you better,
what exactly are you opposed to?
I don’t wanna be some culture war person.
I… I… I don’t want to be controversial.
TRENT: Okay. Well, yeah,
this is gonna go right against what you’re saying right now.
But there is a chance, we think, to get you
on Tucker Carlson this week…
MARY: Tucker.
TRENT: So, that’s a big audience.
Just think about that. Don’t answer right now.
MARY: And then also, there’s France, Paul.
For some reason, they love you over there.
Even with the nightmares, they love it.
TRENT: Yeah. You’re building a fanbase over there.
Isn’t there some type of charity I can do, maybe?
MARY: No, that’s sweet. But no.
TRENT: It might seem apologetic.
Hi.
It’s good, thanks.
What?
I’m so sorry, sir.
I hate to do this, but there are some people that
aren’t really that comfortable with the fact that you’re here.
Okay.
Yeah.
Well, if they’re so uncomfortable,
maybe they should leave.
Um, yeah, but…
I’m just enjoying my meal.
I haven’t said or done anything.
Right. I mean, I guess I could tell them
you’re about to leave, or…
Why should I leave?
I haven’t broken any of your rules, have I?
I mean, no.
PAUL: Well, great.
Then that’s that.
WAITRESS: Uh, yeah, I guess.
Okay.
MAN: Hey, hi.
Would you do us a favor and just wrap that up?
Nobody wants you here, man.
Well, I’m staying.
MAN: Are you sure about that?
Yeah, I’m going to enjoy
my food and leave when I’m done, okay?
Okay.
(MAN GRUNTING)
(EARLY BLUE BY F.J. MCMAHON PLAYING)
♪ When I know It will happen soon
♪ Early blue come To my room next morning
♪ And I’ll try to go to sleep But it won’t work
♪ I’ll have to see My friends
♪ Where they go
♪ What they know
♪ And I run away ♪
JANET: Listen, maybe you need to be more proactive about this.
PAUL: What do you mean?
Make a public statement or something?
Maybe you should apologize.
PAUL: I should apologize?
Take a look at my face for Christ’s sake.
JANET: Well, just to get people off your back… off our backs.
No, that’s ridiculous. I’m not gonna do that.
You’re not alone in this. I almost lost my job.
Which is completely uncalled for.
Sophie is being picked on at school.
Hannah is depressed.
We get weird phone calls in the middle of the night.
Someone… someone broke into our house.
So, we’re just gonna let the terrorists win?
PAUL: Who’s to say anything will be different if I do apologize?
JANET: Oh, so, basically, you’re just choosing for us
to be more miserable.
Would you… would you fucking stop?
Hey!
(BIRDS CHIRPING)
(PAUL PANTING)
(ARROW WHISTLES)
(GRUNTING)
(OMINOUS MUSIC PLAYING)
(PAUL PANTING)
(ARROW WHISTLES)
(PAUL PANTING)
(OMINOUS MUSIC CONTINUES)
(GRUNTING)
(APPLAUSES)
(CHOKING)
It seems like there’s consensus amongst the parents,
and if it’s not too much to ask,
we’d like you to sit this one out.
But it is, it is too much to ask.
It’s ridiculous. This is a huge moment for her.
Of course, I’m going to be there.
Paul, please.
What?
They’re imposing an exile.
Am I supposed to just accept that?
Don’t be so dramatic.
WOMAN: We’ll get someone to record it, okay?
You’ll… Um, you’ll get to see it.
Just not in the room on the night.
You’re aware that I have a Ph.D., right?
Yes.
And you, B.A.?
M.A.
What I’m saying is,
I don’t need your opinions on pedagogy.
Okay, I understand that you want to be there.
But at… at this point, the majority of the parents don’t.
They’re worried their kids will feel unsafe, and obviously,
that’s not, you know, completely unwarranted.
Why don’t we make it easier on everyone and you just…
Why don’t you take my side, Janet?
Sophie shouldn’t have to be punished
just because you want to make a point.
Don’t make us all die on your hill.
(KNOCKS ON DOOR)
Hi. Sorry to bother you.
Do you own that car that says, “Loser”?
Yes.
Where do I begin?
Let me start with this.
I’m sorry.
I’m sorry, I didn’t address this earlier.
I’m sorry to anyone who’s had one of those terrible,
terrible nightmares.
(CRYING)
The reason why I’m so emotionally distressed
right now is because I had one myself.
I’ve experienced what so many of you must have experienced…
being violently attacked and abused by a man
who looks like me.
I have to stress, that man is not me.
And I speak now from actual lived experience.
I’m one of you.
(EMOTIONAL MUSIC PLAYING)
I’ve been vilified in my life, haunted in my dreams.
My mere presence upsets people
and not because I’ve actually done anything.
But because people imagine I’ve done things.
Is it really fair that I should be punished for that?
Am I not the biggest victim in this whole phenomenon?
Just look at how it’s affecting my life!
But because people imagine I’ve done things.
I’m actually gonna have to kill myself.
PAUL: Is it really fair that
I should be punished for that?
What is he doing?
PAUL: Am I not the biggest
victim in this whole phenomenon?
Fuck.
JANET: It was completely insincere and selfserving.
What? Which part?
JANET: All of it.
It’s embarrassing, Paul.
It’s embarrassing to be married to you right now.
(CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYING)
Thanks for letting me stay.
Yeah. Uh, just a heads up.
My wife’s not too hot on the idea,
so I think it’s gonna be in the basement, if that’s okay.
What’s the smell?
I think that’s the propane tank.
I’ll crack open a window.
I… I can’t just sleep on the couch upstairs?
I’m sorry, man.
If you need anything, just text me, I’ll come down.
Thanks.
Okay.
(ELECTRICITY CRACKLES)
(INDISTINCT CHATTER IN THE DISTANCE)
(HAPPY MUSIC PLAYING IN THE DISTANCE)
Excuse me. Sir.
I’m seeing my daughter. She’s on stage.
You’re Mr. Matthews, right?
No.
You’re not Paul Matthews?
No.
Call security.
(GASPS) You can’t be here, Paul.
PAUL: Let me just watch, I’ll leave before it’s over.
I thought we had an agreement.
PAUL: Come on.
I just want to watch for a few minutes.
Respect our boundaries.
PAUL: This is ridiculous.
Let me in.
Paul!
(THUDDING)
(GROANS)
(MUSIC STOPS)
(GROANING) Ah!
(ALL GASP)
He attacked me.
He… Paul Matthews attacked me!
It was an accident.
She wouldn’t let me in.
I just want to see my daughter.
(CRYING)
She wouldn’t let me in.
It was an accident.
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
I just want to see my daughter.
Hey, stop.
No, it was an accident.
It was an accident. Sophie, it was an accident.
Hold it!
(GRUNTING)
So… Sophie, it was an accident.
Get off me! Get off of me!
(SLURRING)
(IMPERCEPTIBLE CHATTER)
(SOFT MUSIC PLAYING)
REPORTER: An average man,
a cultural sensation,
a dream turned into a nightmare.
For a period, going to sleep
meant risking abuse from this man.
Though we still don’t understand how
this phenomenon started or why it suddenly stopped,
we can rest assured that after violently attacking
a middle school teacher last fall,
Paul Matthews disappeared from the public eye
and our collective dreams, all together.
But through the case of Paul came one silver lining,
a revolution in dream science.
So now forget the nightmares and experience a positive way
of dream travel with Norio.
(ENERGETIC MUSIC PLAYING)
Welcome to the Dream House!
REPORTER: This is the Dream House
on top of the Hollywood Hills,
where the next big thing is happening,
ads in your dreams.
“Dreamfluencers,” or, like, “mindvertisers.”
(LAUGHS)
I don’t think there’s like an official title yet.
Well, I think social media is over.
Like if you can promote a song or a product actually
in someone’s head then that’s, like, way more powerful.
REPORTER: If one man could enter other people’s dreams,
couldn’t any of us?
One scientist set out to find a way.
BRIAN: We had to rethink the whole field.
Consciousness is more complex than we thought.
Dualism was right. Jung was right.
There is a collective subconscious.
Paul Matthews proved that, even if accidentally.
The Norio would definitely not exist without him.
REPORTER: Brian Berg is the inventor of the Norio,
a device that makes it possible to dream travel.
It’s like meditation or hypnagogia.
REPORTER: Using neurotechnology,
the Norio allows you to visit anyone in their dreams.
(CHUCKLING) It may look like he’s just resting.
But right now, Brian’s inside the dream
of a random 19yearold boy in South Korea.
It’s refreshing.
I feel like if people are judging it,
then they don’t really understand it.
It’s not weird.
It’s just like, we’re gonna be in your dream
for a brief moment. We’re gonna showcase
some merch or play a hot new track and say a few things
and then we’re out. That’s it.
REPORTER: Paul Matthews left many skeptical
about dream travel.
But the Norio has a nonightmare guarantee.
Without enthusiastic consent
the dream will simply be terminated.
I mean, people always use Paul Matthews as
the cautionary tale.
Okay, this industry might not exist without him.
But also, he put such a negative stamp on it.
It’s kind of insane that he harnessed all of this power,
just so he could terrorize people.
WOMAN: Mmmhmm.
Okay.
(DOOR CLOSES)
Ah. Nice.
Okay, girls, wanna look at the bedrooms
and see which ones you like?
I don’t like it.
Go look at the bedrooms, please.
So, my friend actually used to have those dreams.
Or so she claimed, at least.
Oh. Ha, yeah.
(IMITATES CHOKING)
So, what happened? Like, they just stopped or…
I just feel like I haven’t heard of them in a while.
Yeah. I don’t know.
People stopped having them, I guess.
If I hear anything now, it’s mostly abroad.
What’s the smell?
Oh, I was told that the old owners were big animal lovers.
I’m sure it’ll air out in time.
Um, hey, before you leave,
have you seen that guy Chris around the house lately?
Um, yeah. Yeah.
Maybe, like, a week ago, I think.
Is he here often?
I mean, not really.
Does he stay over?
I don’t think so.
Hannah, does he stay over?
I don’t know.
Bye, Dad.
Bye.
I love you.
Love you!
I’ll bring you back something cool from France.
SOPHIE: Hi.
JANET: Hi.
How was the place?
Yeah, you know, it was nice.
Good location.
Good.
I don’t think Sophie really liked it.
She kept asking, “Why don’t you just move back in with us?”
Yeah. (SIGHS)
And costwise, good?
You know, between the settlement
from Osler and the book deal, I should be fine.
More than fine, actually.
Okay, great.
Have you been seeing me in your dreams lately, by the way?
No. Why do you keep asking?
I’m just curious.
Shit, I’m late.
Where are you going?
Well, I’ve got a Zoom call with the publisher.
They’re trying to expand the tour.
I might be a whole month now in Paris.
It’s crazy.
That’s exciting.
I guess I won’t see you before you leave, then?
I leave in four days. I can swing by.
(WHISPERING INDISTINCTLY)
(INAUDIBLE)
(JANET LAUGHS)
No, it’s fine. I’ll see you when you’re back.
Yeah. Okay.
Bye.
Bye, Paul.
Hey, Paul.
(SUSPENSEFUL MUSIC PLAYING)
I love those on you.
Hey, come on, try them out. Dance with me.
Get out.
Get out!
No, no, try to dance.
(GRUNTING)
(DISTORTED)
Please don’t hit Dylan.
‘Cause your punches will pack more heat with these
ultrayummy keto supplements from Alpha Monster Gains.
Oh, fuck, let me just take that again. I’m sorry.
Your punches will pack more heat with these
ultrayummy keto supplements from Ultra Yummy…
Oh, fuck.
Wait a minute.
Where’s the…
(SIREN BLARES IN DISTANCE)
(GENTLE MUSIC PLAYING)
So, first up is a magazine called Rue Morgue.
They write about myths, cults, horror movies, stuff like that.
Did you bring a copy of the book?
No, no. It’s going straight to the stores
and we’ll see it there.
(SPEAKING FRENCH)
(SCOFFS)
(SPEAKING IN ENGLISH) Can you put it on for me?
Uh, I’d rather not.
(SPEAKING FRENCH)
(SPEAKING IN ENGLISH) No, it’s just, I don’t want to.
You don’t want to?
The glove is cool and I think you should wear it.
PAUL: Can I say no?
Come on. It makes sense.
You are nightmare guy, it’s totally cool.
(SPEAKING FRENCH)
(NORIO AUTOMATED VOICE IN ENGLISH) Clear your mind.
And this is the most important step.
Set an intention for your visitation.
No, it’s still at the store.
I think they just changed the room or something.
Maybe they needed a bigger space.
MAN: (ON COMPUTER) To successfully enter
someone’s dream is gonna require a lot of practice.
Getting the Norio is just the first step.
MAN: Ah, bonjour, Paul.
Bonjour. Wow, big turnout.
Oh, uh, no, that is for the other event.
I… I… I’m so sorry.
There was a conflict.
Um, they had to move you downstairs,
but come, come, this way.
Voila. This is it.
Is that the book?
Hmm.
I haven’t actually seen a physical copy of it yet.
Okay.
Wow. It’s so thin.
Must have gotten shorter in translation.
(SPEAKING FRENCH)
(SPEAKING IN ENGLISH) They changed the title, too?
I Am Your Nightmare.
That… that is not the title?
No.
It was supposed to be Dream Scenario.
But this is… this is fine, I guess.
Yeah, it’s… it’s fine.
It probably works better for the demographic.
(SCREAMS ON TV)
(CLASSICAL MUSIC PLAYING)
PAUL: Who do I make it out to?
(THUD)
Fuck!
Shit. Fuck.
Are you all right? Jean!
Fuck, where’d he go? Jean!
Fuck.
(MOUTHING WORDS)
Hey guys, it’s Liam. Today, I’ll be teaching you how to enter someone else’s dream using the Norio.
Think of it as a meditation.
Close your eyes, relax your body, and hyperfocus on the person whose dream you’re trying to enter.
Try to pick someone who welcomes your presence, or else this whole thing will be pretty much impossible.
So, once you have your dreamer locked in, the Norio will do the rest…
(NOSTALGIC MUSIC PLAYING)
I wish this was real.
(NOSTALGIC MUSIC CONTINUES)
(MUSIC STOPS)
(‘CITY OF DREAMS’ BY TALKING HEADS PLAYING)
♪ Here where you are standing
♪ The dinosaurs did a dance
♪ The Indians told a story
♪ Now it has come to pass
♪ The Indians had a legend
♪ The Spaniards lived For gold
♪ The white man came And killed them
♪ But they haven’t Really gone
♪ We live in the city Of dreams
♪ We drive on The highway of fire
♪ Should we awake
♪ And find it gone
♪ Remember this Our favorite town
♪ From Germany and Europe
♪ And Southern U.S.A.
♪ They made this Little town here
♪ That we live in to this day
♪ The children of the white man
♪ Saw Indians on TV
♪ And heard about the legend
♪ How their city was a dream
♪ We live in the city of dreams
♪ We drive On the highway of fire
♪ Should we awake
♪ And find it gone
♪ Remember this Our favorite town
♪ The Civil War is over
♪ And World War One and Two
♪ If we can live together
♪ The dream it might come true
♪ Underneath the concrete
♪ The dream is still alive
♪ A hundred million lifetimes
♪ A world that never dies
♪ We live in the city of dreams
♪ We drive On the highway of fire
♪ Should we awake
♪ And find it gone
♪ Remember this Our favorite town
♪ We live in the city of dreams
♪ We drive On the highway of fire
♪ Should we awake
♪ And find it gone
♪ Remember this Our favorite town ♪
