Dreamland 2020

In the dry and challenging landscape of 1930s Texas, young Eugene Evans lives with his family amid a small-town setting plagued by dust storms. Life takes a difficult turn when Eugene’s father leaves the family when he is just five years old. Growing up, Eugene often finds companionship with his friend Joseph, where they spend time stealing dime novels and dreaming of adventurous lives beyond their current circumstances. Eugene’s life changes again when his mother remarries George Evans, a lawman who tries to step in as a father figure for Eugene and his younger sister Phoebe.

During a town meeting, the sheriff unveils a wanted poster featuring Allison Wells, who is on the run for a bank robbery and murder, with a bounty of $10,000 on her head. Eugene is intrigued and makes plans with Joseph to seek her out. However, George encourages Eugene to act responsibly. In a twist of fate, Eugene sneaks off to the barn for some peace, where he encounters Allison, who is injured and holding a revolver. She is immediately recognized by Eugene from the wanted poster.

In a surprising exchange, they come to an arrangement: Eugene will tend to her wounds in exchange for stories about her criminal past. Over time, Allison shares her traumatic experience during a bank heist where a stray bullet tragically killed a young girl, leading to her injury and flight. To cement their partnership, Allison offers Eugene an enticing $20,000 to help her escape to Mexico.

As secrecy unfolds, Phoebe catches Eugene peeping at the barn. When she investigates, she stumbles upon the gruesome sight, making her question Eugene’s truthfulness. Meanwhile, Eugene confesses to Joseph about their plan but faces rejection. The bond between Eugene and Allison deepens as they share moments, including a daring swim at a secluded watering hole.

Tensions arise at a town dance where Eugene overhears George discussing incriminating evidence against Allison. Driven by desperation, Eugene breaks into the police evidence room and discovers unsettling truths: Allison never mentioned her accomplice, Perry, who was involved in the murders. Eugene confronts her, feeling betrayed by the lies unraveling between them.

As the situation escalates—George finds remnants of Allison’s presence, which leads him to the sheriff, resulting in George’s termination—Eugene feels the weight of their precarious lifestyle. He and Allison decide to flee in the family truck. Despite her initial intentions to go alone, the connection between Eugene and Allison intensifies, culminating in a passionate encounter at a hotel.

However, their quest for freedom leads them to rob a bank, with shocking consequences. Eugene, attempting to protect Allison, kills a hostage that threatens her life. As they make their escape, tensions flare. Eugene and Allison confess their misdeeds, expressing a desire to escape their twisted fates together.

Just when they seem hopeful, tragedy strikes as George and a posse pursue them. In a chaotic confrontation, George injures Allison, leading to a devastating moment as she lays dying in Eugene’s arms. Despite the turmoil around them, Eugene retaliates against George, but ultimately, he must flee. Phoebe, narrating the tale with a heavy heart, reveals that Eugene disappeared from their lives, leaving behind a story of love, betrayal, and lost chances in a world that seemed eternally against them.