In Come True, teenager Sarah opts in for a mysterious sleep study but is shocked when she learns the truth behind the strange examination of the participants’ dreams.
The film’s retro vibes pulsate in the beautiful, electronic score and are furthered in Come True’s ‘80s-esque visuals that overflow with pleasant nostalgia. However, at the heart of this deceptively quaint tale is a darkness that Clive Barker would be proud of. From the onset we are greeted with a feeling of unease and mystery, coupled with on-screen imagery that depicts a hellish, monstrous landscape straight out of Hellraiser. For every moment of quiet, there is something terrifying lurking and Come True does extremely well to balance these tonal oppositions.
As Sarah, Julia Sarah Stone shows that she can handle a role that is filled with complex emotions with ease. She is excellent at portraying a young woman who is psychologically tormented and grappling with her life both awake and asleep. The only disappointment with her character arises from a romantic storyline that feels shoehorned in. Can’t she just be left alone?
There are times when the film’s pacing feels a little off and I would argue that Come True could have benefitted from cutting around 10 minutes to speed things up a little bit. Nonetheless, there is enough to enjoy within Come True’s unique, mysterious exploration of nightmares and in Stone’s performance to ensure you should make it to the credits without feeling too lethargic.
This is certainly not a film for everyone, but I could not help but fall in love with Come True’s peculiarities. Writer-director Anthony Scott Burns has a clear vision for a unique depiction of the power that dreams hold; the similarities that can be seen within strangers’ nightmares and crafts an interesting, chilling myth about a monster that we have all seen. Come True is thoughtful and ominous, a rare culmination of horror, fantasy and drama that I found to be gripping and excellent.
Come True is an aesthetically pleasing dive into the sub-conscious mind and what unravels when we sleep. It is sometimes too dreamy for its own good, but the soft, pastel visuals are a suitable reflection of the film’s focus on what occurs when we sleep. Strongly acted, ambitious and bold, Come True is a flawed but unique little gem that deserves recognition.
Director: Anthony Scott Burns
Stars: Skylar Radzion, Landon Liboiron, Julia Sarah Stone
Runtime: 105 minutes
Country: Canada
Film Rating: 
Come True will be in UK Cinemas from 12th March, on Digital Download from 15th March & on Limited Edition Blu-ray from 5th April
