DreamQuil
| DreamQuil | |
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 Theatrical release poster | |
| Directed by | Alex Prager |
| Written by |
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| Produced by |
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| Starring |
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| Cinematography | Lol Crawley |
| Edited by |
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| Music by | Ali Helnwein |
Production companies |
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Release dates |
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Running time | 84 minutes |
| Countries |
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| Language | English |
DreamQuil is a 2026 psychological thriller film starring John C. Reilly and Elizabeth Banks and co-written, produced and directed by Alex Prager in her feature length debut.
The film had its world premiere at SXSW Film & TV Festival on March 16, 2026. It was released in the United States on October 16, 2026.
Premise
Set in the near future, a woman embarks on a virtual wellness retreat in order to get her life back on track – but with nightmarish consequences.
Cast
- John C. Reilly as Gary
- Elizabeth Banks as Carol and her artificial replacement, Carol 2
- Juliette Lewis as Nurse Chapman
- Kathryn Newton as Margo Case
- Sofia Boutella as Rebecca
- Lamorne Morris
Production
Patriot Pictures produced the film alongside Arts & Sciences, Elizabeth Banks, Max Handelman and Alison Small for Brownstone Productions, Vincent Landay (Landay Entertainment) and Alex Prager (Big Valley Pictures). The film, for which Prager co-wrote the script with her sister Vanessa, marks Prager's feature debut.
Filming was delayed by the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike. In May 2024, just as filming commenced in Los Angeles, Republic Pictures pre-emptively acquired North American distribution rights to the film, with financier HanWay Films handling international sales. Later that month, it was announced that Juliette Lewis, Kathryn Newton, and Sofia Boutella had joined the cast. Lol Crawley served as the cinematographer, while Matt Cheesé and Brad Besser edited the film.
Reception
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, the film holds an approval rating of 39%, based on 18 reviews, with an average rating of 5.2/10.
References
- 1 2 "Dreamquil (15)". British Board of Film Classification. October 28, 2026. Retrieved October 28, 2026.
- ↑ Wiseman, Andreas (May 7, 2024). "Elizabeth Banks & John C. Reilly Thriller 'DreamQuil' Pre-Sells To Paramount's Republic Pictures; HanWay To Continue Sales In Cannes With Filming Underway". Deadline. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
- ↑ Galuppo, Mia (February 4, 2026). "'The Comeback,' Red Hot Chili Peppers Doc Added to SXSW Lineup". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
- ↑ Canfield, David (March 10, 2026). "Elizabeth Banks Takes on Trippy Body Horror and the Allure of AI in 'DreamQuil'". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved March 20, 2026.
- ↑ Smart, Jack (September 24, 2026). "Elizabeth Banks Escapes Her Reality in Trippy Trailer for Dystopian Thriller DreamQuil (Exclusive)". People. Retrieved October 13, 2026.
- 1 2 Wiseman, Andreas (May 7, 2024). "Elizabeth Banks & John C. Reilly Thriller 'Dreamquil' Pre-Sells To Paramount's Republic Pictures; HanWay To Continue Sales In Cannes With Filming Underway". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
- 1 2 Ntim, Zac (May 16, 2023). "Elizabeth Banks On Dangers Of AI Amid Writers Strike: "We Have To Hold The Line As A Community" – Cannes". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 25, 2024.
- ↑ Tartaglione, Nancy (May 9, 2024). "Juliette Lewis Joins Elizabeth Banks & John C. Reilly In Alex Prager's 'DreamQuil'; Kathryn Newton & Sofia Boutella Also Aboard". Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ↑ Lol Crawley, BSC
- ↑ Brad Besser Resume
- ↑ "DreamQuil". Rotten Tomatoes. Retrieved October 11, 2026.
