In the beautifully nuanced film "Dreams" by Dag Johan Haugerud, viewers follow the journey of 17-year-old Johanne (Ella Øverbye) as she navigates her complex feelings towards her teacher, Johanna (Selome Emnetu). What begins as a remembrance of their similar names quickly blooms into a deep emotional bond, raising questions about the nature of first love, self-awareness, and the often-blurred lines of student-teacher relationships.
"Dreams" is the concluding chapter in Haugerud's film trilogy that explores love and intimacy in modern Norway. Like its predecessors, "Sex" and "Love", "Dreams" likewise maintains a delicate balance between restraint and candidness in its portrayal of human desires. However, it stands out as the only coming-of-age story amongst the trio.
Johanne, compelled by her intense feelings towards her teacher, decides to write a novel that draws heavily from her own experiences. It's a grave task discerning truth from make-believe in Johanne's writing, especially when she takes bold steps like visiting Johanna's home under the pretext of extra-curricular knitting lessons. As the plot unfolds, we start to question whether Johanna is manipulative or merely trying to navigate a tricky situation.
As the cinematographic tale progresses, it brims with warmth, melancholic hindsight, and an appreciative nod to youthful longing. Despite elements of confusion, her complex feelings are not dismissed as a queer awakening, allowing Johanne to define herself uninfluenced by a singular life-altering experience.
Ella Øverbye delivers a brilliant performance, pacifying an intense emotional storyline. The narrative also delves into familial dynamics, with Kristin, Johanne's mother, and Karin, her liberal-minded poet grandmother, interpreting her writings differently.
The film seamlessly intertwines three generational perspectives on love and expectations, providing an astute contrast. While the film does center around a certain heartbreak, it also showcases the valuable learning curve of the protagonist finding herself amidst her first profound emotional experience. "Dreams" is a beautifully layered exploration of emotions, self-discovery, and the often convoluted dynamics of student-teacher relationships.
