Mean Dreams
Vertical Entertainment | Release Date: March 17, 2017 CRITIC SCORE DISTRIBUTION
64
METASCORE
Generally favorable reviews based on 14 Critic Reviews
Positive:
9
Mixed:
4
Negative:
1
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Critic Reviews

Critic scorePublicationBy date
88
Chicago Sun-TimesRichard RoeperMar 16, 2017
While the plot often travels familiar paths and even the impressive camerawork is evocative of other films, Mean Dreams has a few story tricks up its sleeve — and it has Bill Paxton, playing one of the most odious characters he ever played, and doing it with absolute mastery. Read full review
75
ObserverRex ReedMar 21, 2017
Not a great film in the same vein as "Badlands" and "Pretty Poison," but a very good one that is well worth seeing. Read full review
75
The Film StageMike MazzantiMar 16, 2017
While Mean Dreams stumbles once or twice, it is a thrillingly dark fable draped in beautiful images and a layered, menacing performance from Paxton. Read full review
75
IndieWireEric KohnMar 13, 2017
The pervasive elegance makes up for a largely derivate plot. We’ve seen variations on this story before, and Mean Dreams doesn’t do much to shake up expectations — until, that is, a violent finale that punctuates the characters’ psychological development. Read full review
75
The Globe and Mail (Toronto)Brad WheelerMar 13, 2017
Spiritual questions and thoughts on the importance of flesh-and-blood relationships are raised, but the strength of the you-can-run-but-you-can’t-hide drama is the dewy charisma of the two young co-stars. Read full review
70
TheWrapTricia OlszewskiMar 16, 2017
Though the strong performances of Nélisse and Wiggins are key to convince you that they not only care for each other but are capable of thinking on their feet, it’s Paxton who must deliver sufficient menace to propel the story — and he’s terrifying. Read full review
70
The New York TimesAndy WebsterMar 16, 2017
Nathan Morlando’s Mean Dreams may use a time-honored premise — young lovers on the lam (see: “Badlands”) — but it does so with such quiet, gently appealing assurance that it makes the template seem fresh again. Read full review
70
Los Angeles TimesKimber MyersMar 16, 2017
Featuring one of Bill Paxton’s final performances, Mean Dreams is a painful reminder of the actor’s great talents. Read full review
70
Village VoiceLuke Y. ThompsonMar 15, 2017
For better or for worse, Paxton's performance will be the focus of viewers’ attention, so it is decidedly to the good that he doesn't just deliver. He gives a sort of master class on why we've loved him: Paxton was amazing in the role of regular guys, and equally compelling as the subversion of same. Read full review
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