"Dreams (Sex Love)" (Norwegian: Drømmer) is a 2024 Norwegian drama film written and directed by Dag Johan Haugerud. It is the third and final installment of Haugerud's trilogy exploring the complexities of human relationships, sexuality, and social norms, following "Sex" (2024) and "Love" (2024).
This coming-of-age story centers on Johanne (Ella Øverbye), a 17-year-old girl navigating the complexities of first love and family dynamics. When Johanne develops a crush on her charismatic French teacher, Johanna (Selome Emnetu), she begins to explore her feelings through writing. However, when her mother and grandmother discover her intimate writings, it sparks a series of conversations and confrontations that challenge their own perspectives on love, desire, and self-discovery.
Plot Summary:
Johanne, a sensitive and introspective teenager, becomes infatuated with her French teacher, Johanna. She finds herself drawn to Johanna's charisma, intelligence, and unconventional teaching style. To process her feelings, Johanne starts writing about her experiences, capturing the intensity of her emotions and fantasies.
However, her private writings are accidentally discovered by her mother, Kristin (Ane Dahl Torp), and grandmother, Karin (Anne Marit Jacobsen). This discovery leads to a series of awkward and sometimes tense conversations, as the three generations of women grapple with Johanne's burgeoning sexuality, their own past experiences, and the evolving nature of love and relationships.
Director's Vision:
Dag Johan Haugerud's vision for "Dreams (Sex Love)" was to create a film that explored the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of communication across generations. He wanted to portray the awkwardness and vulnerability of adolescence, while also highlighting the enduring power of love and the importance of self-discovery. By focusing on the intimate dynamics of a family, Haugerud offers a nuanced and thought-provoking exploration of love, desire, and the search for meaning in our lives.
Themes:
First Love and Sexual Awakening:Â The film captures the intensity and confusion of first love, as Johanne navigates her feelings for her teacher and explores her own sexuality.
Family Dynamics and Communication:Â "Dreams (Sex Love)" examines the complexities of family relationships, particularly the challenges of communication and understanding between different generations.
Self-Discovery and Acceptance:Â The film follows Johanne's journey of self-discovery, as she comes to terms with her feelings and embraces her true identity.
The Power of Writing:Â Johanne's writing serves as a means of self-expression and exploration, allowing her to process her emotions and connect with her inner world.
Generational Perspectives on Love and Sexuality:Â The film contrasts the perspectives of three generations of women on love, sexuality, and social norms, highlighting the evolving nature of these concepts.
Key Success Factors:
Authentic and Relatable Characters:Â The film's characters are well-developed and relatable, drawing viewers into their emotional journeys and sparking empathy and understanding.
Nuanced Storytelling:Â Haugerud's direction is sensitive and nuanced, avoiding simplistic answers or moral judgments, allowing the characters and their relationships to unfold organically.
Strong Performances: The film features strong performances from its cast, particularly Ella Øverbye as Johanne, who delivers a captivating and emotionally resonant portrayal of a teenager navigating the complexities of first love and family dynamics.
Thought-Provoking Themes:Â "Dreams (Sex Love)" explores complex and relevant themes that resonate with audiences, sparking conversations about love, sexuality, and the challenges of communication across generations.
Critical Acclaim:Â The film has garnered critical acclaim, winning the prestigious Golden Bear award at the 75th Berlin International Film Festival.
Short Summary:
"Dreams (Sex Love)" is a Norwegian coming-of-age drama that explores the complexities of first love, family dynamics, and self-discovery, as a teenager's intimate writings spark conversations and confrontations that challenge generational perspectives on love and sexuality.
Awards, and Nominations (IMDB): 2 wins & 4 nominations
Berlin International Film Festival (2025):
Golden Bear (Best Film)
FIPRESCI Prize (Competition)
Guild Film Prize (German Arthouse Cinemas Guild)
Critical Reception:
"Dreams (Sex Love)" has received positive reviews from critics, who have praised its authentic characters, nuanced storytelling, and thought-provoking themes. The film has been lauded for its sensitive portrayal of adolescence and its exploration of the complexities of human relationships.
Box Office Performance:
Norway lifetime gross: $264,413 Worldwide lifetime total gross: $264,413
Production Summary:
"Dreams (Sex Love)" was produced by Motlys AS and Novemberfilm.
Production Companies:
Motlys AS
Novemberfilm
Distribution & Sales Summary:
The film's international sales are handled by m-appeal.
Distribution and Sales Companies:
m-appeal (International)
Alamode Film (Germany)
Theatrical Release Date:
October 4, 2024 (Norway)
February 19, 2025 (Berlin International Film Festival)
May 8, 2025 (Germany)
Link IMDB: https://www.imdb.com/title/tt30810792/
Link Review: https://cineuropa.org/en/newsdetail/474110
Link to watch: https://pro.festivalscope.com/film/dreams
Why You Should Watch This Movie:
Experience a Moving Coming-of-Age Story:Â "Dreams (Sex Love)" offers a sensitive and nuanced portrayal of adolescence, exploring the complexities of first love, family dynamics, and self-discovery.
Engage with Thought-Provoking Themes:Â The film delves into complex themes about love, sexuality, and communication, prompting viewers to reflect on their own experiences and perspectives.
Witness Authentic Characters and Relationships:Â The film's characters are relatable and well-developed, drawing viewers into their emotional journeys and sparking empathy and understanding.
Appreciate Nuanced Storytelling:Â Haugerud's direction is sensitive and avoids simplistic answers or moral judgments, allowing the characters and their relationships to unfold organically.
Support Award-Winning Cinema:Â "Dreams (Sex Love)" is a critically acclaimed film that has won prestigious awards, including the Golden Bear at the Berlin International Film Festival.
Final Verdict:
"Dreams (Sex Love)" is a beautifully crafted and emotionally resonant film that explores the complexities of human relationships and the challenges of communication across generations. With its authentic characters, nuanced storytelling, and thought-provoking themes, it is a must-watch for those seeking a film that offers a sensitive and insightful portrayal of adolescence and the search for meaning in our lives.