A Dreamer's Search (2022)

Artist Rockwell Kent (Bradford James Jackson) is struggling with his craft, and he’s determined to find a way to better himself. He decides to pack up himself and his son, Rockie (Iver Mitchell), and travel to a remote island in Alaska to practice and do all that he can to become a better person. Leaving civilization will take a toll on Rockwell, but he just may have the chance to find success as well. This journey is A Dreamer’s Search for success, affirmation, and freedom.

A Dreamer’s Search feels like the perfect name. While there aren’t really any aspects of the film that extend beyond reality, there are moments (typically brought to light by the dialogue) that feel almost supernatural–as if some sense of magical realism exists in the conversations being had. Those bits of magic that are strewn throughout the course of A Dreamer’s Search connect to the title of the film, expressing something that feels beyond our physical being, and reminding us to be optimistic and passionate.

This is a story of freedom and finding oneself. Seeing Rockwell yearn for and fight for freedom is liberating for viewers. It reminds us that answers are out there, that the potential to find happiness is always in our own hands, never anyone else’s. A Dreamer’s Search is reassuring in so many ways–and the film in its entirety acts as a beacon of hope. The dialogue is simple, and it’s thought provoking; the setting is calming, endearing, and invites people to travel to their happy place (either literally or figuratively). Everything works toward encouraging viewers and telling them a story that will resonate with them–and it’s successful.

Jackson’s voice is simply incredible. Firstly, his voice does not match his aesthetic, and there’s an initial shock when you see his face for the first time. His voice is interestingly boisterous, powerful, and mesmerizing–and that alone is enough to entice viewers. He’s the perfect choice to lead A Dreamer’s Search, as he commands the camera, and still his voice allows the film to feel calm and even keeled throughout. Such a minor detail plays such a pivotal role in the reception of A Dreamer’s Search, and Jackson acts as the fuel that propels this film in more ways than one–starting with his voice.

In a lot of ways A Dreamer’s Search is a feel-good story. It plays a bit with struggle and hardship, but the bookends are full of success and happiness. As the film moves forward and the magic becomes more and more apparent, viewers are continuously drawn in–but I keep coming back to Jackson's voice, as it’s mesmerizing and captivating. It’s a small part of a big puzzle, but it plays such an important role throughout A Dreamer’s Search. As a whole, A Dreamer’s Search works on a number of levels, and by the end of it all, there’s a feel good story staring viewers in the face.

Written & Directed by Eric Downs.

Starring Bradford James Jackson, Iver Mitchell, & Steven Brant Hill.

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/10