How to Stop a Recurring Dream

"How to Stop a Recurring Dream" is a captivating 2020 psychological drama directed by Ed Morris, featuring a compelling cast that includes up and coming stars like Ruby Barker, Lily-Rose Aslandogdu and Jamie Michie. The film is an engrossing mix of emotional intensity, psychological complexity, and unexpected twists, set amid the backdrop of a (symbolic) journey against the tranquil yet unsettling British countryside. From the start to the end, the film keeps you on the edge of your seat, moving you through a labyrinth of emotions.

The story revolves around Yakira, a young teenager grappling with the tempest of family conflicts, impending separation, and confusing emotions, portrayed immaculately by Ruby Barker. Yakira's world turns chaotic when her divorcee father decides to remarry, and her dyslexic half-sister, Kelly (played by Lily-Rose Aslandogdu), is to temporarily shift with her mother. Filled with anxiety and desperation of losing Kelly, Yakira takes the situation into her own hands.

In a bid to claw onto a connection that she is on the brink of losing, she impulsively kidnaps Kelly on a strange, poignant, and dreary journey to an abandoned house on the coast. The crux of the story unfolds during this journey, pushing the sisters into circumstances that unravel secrets, hidden fears, and unspoken feelings. It's an emotive saga of Yakira's struggle to let go and Kelly's struggle to understand the world around her, each fighting a lonely battle in their own way.

Jamie Michie plays the role of the sisters' father, depicting the layers of a man who, in his quest for personal happiness, battles with paternal guilt and the fear of losing his daughters' admiration. The dynamics amongst the leads create an intricate familial web, exploring themes of jealousy, guilt, alienation, love, and the denial of impending change.

Ed Morris, the director, masterfully brings out the underlying psychological tension as the story progresses. The movie plays out like a recurring dream, hence the title, showing Yakira’s desperate attempts to preserve her current familial status quo. The eerie dream sequences are skilfully interwoven with present predicaments, giving the narrative a hallucinatory charm. The film’s title not only evokes the theme of a dysfunctional family dynamic but also tangentially addresses the universally relatable predicament; the fear of change and the inability to control it.

The cinematography and set design is worth mentioning as it beautifully captures the dreariness of the British landscape, setting the mood for the whole film. The visuals are compelling, and the attention to detail in composing each shot is conspicuous. The grey, overcast skies, and dilapidated buildings perfectly mirror the turmoil within the characters, creating a stunning tableau. The combination of haunting background scores and atmospheric sound designs further paint an audibly rich canvas that brings out the underlying tension in the narrative.

The performances by Ruby Barker and Lily-Rose Aslandogdu are nuanced, evoking a wide spectrum of emotions from the audience. Ruby convincingly channels a teenager's troubled state of mind, exuding an intense energy that gives depth to Yakira's character. On the other hand, Lily-Rose beautifully brings out Kelly's innocent view of the chaotic world around her, often lending the film its heart-wrenching moments. Her portrayal of a dyslexic young girl trying to grasp the essence of growing up is praiseworthy.

In conclusion, "How to Stop a Recurring Dream" is more than a simple narrative of a family dysfunction; it is a human drama that explores the psychological impact of change and the desperate extremities one chooses to deal with it. It's a powerful film that leaves an enduring imprint with its haunting imagery, emotive narrative, and powerful performances. This poignant and compelling movie is recommended for those who appreciate thought-provoking, character-driven storytelling with an edge of psychological tension.