Fever Dream

"Ahlam Al-Asr" (Afternoon Dreams) is a decent attempt to connect with the young Saudi audience, and I don't think it deserves more than a 4/10 rating, but it stumbles over two confusing mistakes (while noting some positives).

First, the film suffers from a clear identity crisis: rated +18, it was supposed to deliver mature or provocative content for an older audience, yet it feels closer to a work aimed at kids aged 8-16. It tackles topics that are uncommon and contrary to the conservative moral tone in the local Saudi context, but presents them superficially, making you wonder if the film really understands what it's trying to say. Had some of these elements been dropped to lower the rating, it might have gained wider acceptance and appeared more logical.

Second, the film delves into a shallow narrative with a teen, lightly feminist perspective, making it targeted at a very narrow audience - one seemingly more attracted to trendy ideologies than to a coherent story. To be fair, the comedic sarcasm on the silliness of social media celebrities did provide some genuinely funny moments, but relying on that same idea for over three hours and fifteen minutes? It's hard to believe anyone thought this was enough to make a solid film.

The screenplay and plot do not support such a long runtime; the writer started with a good satirical idea in the first 50 minutes but then lost control and left agendas and surreal exaggerations to drive the film to the end. However, one point counts in the film's favor: the wonderful animation scenes, which I did not expect to see in a Saudi film. I strongly support the use of similar iconic tricks, as they fit very well with companies like Telfaz 11.

Perhaps the title "Ahlam Al-Asr" spontaneously hints at the chaos dominating the film's events... but if this is what Saudi cinema aspires to as a "good film," reality indicates it is still far from delivering a mature work with a global character, even locally. The Saudi audience is indeed hungry for films, but mediocre works no longer satisfy them.

It is better for now to slow down and focus on simpler, smarter stories, with more mature dramatic writing and tighter dialogues - instead of bloated comedies filled with unstable ideas.

Simply, it's just another worthless junk from Saudi Arabia. Why are they still keep making these trashy movies???

It's just a waste of time and money.

If I can be the decision maker, I would have issued a high penalty for all the people who helped making these movies because they're destroying the reputation of Saudi Arabia and also proving that they don't have knowledge or taste for art.

I encourage them to stick to tik tok and social media and also to stay local insted of causing global scandal.

Also, we want to ask Netflix about the season for supporting trashy moves and TV shows which are worthless.

They literally the shot my afternoon dreama unrelatable, meaningless things altogether, nobody wants to see that in a movie . Worst 3 hours spended in my life And yah what is it with the os much use of the English words , what they trying to imply?

Its like they are trying to be relatable, and the drinking, why do they constantly drink and get drunk, it adds nothing to the story, and it constantly changes the timeline and the narrative, one moment it takes place in 1994 the next its in 2024 it makes no sense, this movie has no idea what is trying to be or convey, overall they could have done much better.

"Fever Dream" (2024), the Saudi Arabian cinematic offering, delivers a gripping narrative that explores the complexities of human relationships against the backdrop of a mesmerizing desert landscape. Directed with artful precision, the film immerses viewers in a world where tradition clashes with modernity, and where the line between dream and reality blurs. The performances are captivating, drawing audiences into the emotional turmoil of the characters as they navigate love, loss, and redemption. The cinematography beautifully captures the stark beauty of the Saudi terrain, adding another layer of depth to the storytelling. While the pacing may feel deliberate at times, it ultimately serves to deepen the film's impact, allowing viewers to fully absorb its thematic richness. "Fever Dream" is a triumph of Saudi cinema, showcasing the talent and creativity of its filmmakers on the global stage.

> "Dreams of the Age" is an ambitious Saudi film that attempts to blend local authenticity with a modern cinematic voice. It presents a visually rich experience grounded in the culture of old Jeddah, offering a fresh yet imperfect perspective.

The film's strongest asset is its lead performance, which stands out with both charm and emotional depth. The direction shines through a polished visual style, effectively capturing the spirit of place and community. There's a clear attempt to address social themes in a contemporary context, and that effort deserves recognition.

However, the film struggles with uneven pacing and underdeveloped side characters. Several scenes feel unnecessarily prolonged, and the story lacks a strong narrative escalation. The language mixing between Arabic and English, while perhaps realistic, may feel excessive and distracting for some viewers.

Despite these issues, "Dreams of the Age" remains a bold and heartfelt film. It reflects the growing ambition of Saudi cinema and marks a creative step forward for its directors.

> Final Verdict: A culturally vibrant film with a compelling lead and elegant visuals, though weakened by its narrative looseness.