The Dream Children

The Dream Children is a 2015 Australian drama directed by Robert Chuter and starring Graeme Squires, Nicholas Gunn, and Jessikah Brown. The film navigates several complex, interconnected themes, including identity, love, sexuality, and the struggle for self-acceptance. It succeeds in drawing viewers into the deeply personal and sometimes turbulent world of the characters.

Set against the backdrop of Melbourne's cosmopolitan and vibrant cityscape, the film centres on the lives of struggling radio shock jock, Stephen, played by Graeme Squires, and his long-term partner, Alex, portrayed by Nicholas Gunn. The couple's relationship, already strained by Stephen's descent into drug abuse and infidelity, is tested further when they decide to change the dynamics of their relationship drastically.

The plot thickens as Stephen and Alex confront the legal and social hurdles of their decision to have a child via surrogacy. The complexities and nuances of this issue are deftly handled, providing a grounded, real-feel insight into the challenges same-sex couples face when deciding to start a family. The film juxtaposes the couple's struggles against the backdrop of social acceptance and the broader expectations and misconceptions associated with non-traditional parenting.

Graeme Squires delivers a compelling performance as Stephen, a character trapped in his self-destructive cycle. Through his portrayal, the film offers a stark exploration of identity and the fear of inadequacy, particularly in the face of impending parenthood. His partner, Alex, played by Nicholas Gunn, provides the grounding influence in their relationship - a gentle, caring spirit who longs for a stable family life. The dynamics between these two characters is explored beautifully, with their love shining through despite the numerous hurdles they face.

Jessikah Brown, in her role as the enigmatic and vivacious Billie, illustrates yet another facet of contemporary relationships. The friendships and networks within the movie all depict various dynamics within modern society, adding layers of authenticity to the storyline.

The film transcends the narrative of being just another LGBTQ+ movie. It strives to analyse human emotion, love, passion, insecurity, and desire that are universal, making it a human story above everything else. The Dream Children raises poignant questions about societal norms and individual desires, allowing viewers to delve deeper into the intricacies of personal relationships and the cost of happiness.

Robert Chuter, the director, showcases a unique storytelling style, maintaining a balance between dramatizing the struggles and capturing everyday life's realities. His usage of the Australian landscapes - the city's twinkling skyline, sprawling beaches, and breezy suburbs - adds a certain aesthetic appeal to the film. This translates into a visual depiction of the characters' emotional journeys, grounded in their everyday reality, heightening their experiences' relatability and rawness.

The movie's soundtrack with an eclectic mix of songs adds depth to its scenes, enhancing the viewers' emotional engagement with the storyline. The film's narrative development and character arcs are carefully plotted throughout, with the resolution providing a satisfactory conclusion to the presented dilemmas.

In conclusion, The Dream Children is a journey into the exploration of identity, love, and the desire for family life from a non-traditional perspective. While elucidating the struggles, the narrative refrains from heavily loaded discourse of victimhood associated with same-sex couples. Instead, it ventures to normalize and humanize their desires and fears, delivering a profound and enlightening cinematic experience.

This poignant movie is bound to resonate with anyone who has grappled with personal identity, societal pressures, and relationships' complex realm. With compelling performances, an engaging screenplay, and a thoughtful exploration of contemporary themes, The Dream Children offers a cinematic experience that fosters empathy, acceptance, and understanding.