Fever Dream (2021): Cast & Ratings
Fever Dream is a 2021 drama thriller directed by Claudia Llosa, starring Guillermo Pfening as Marco, Cristina Banegas and María Valverde. It is based on Fever Dream by Samanta Schweblin and Megan McDowell. It runs 1 hour 33 minutes. Critics gave it 71% on Rotten Tomatoes and 75 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.8/10.
- Released
- Runtime
- 1h 33m (93 min)
- Director
- Claudia Llosa
- Original language
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Spanish
- Studio
- Netflix
- After the credits
- No No extra scene
What Is Fever Dream About?
The premise of Fever Dream without spoilers, adapted from Fever Dream by Samanta Schweblin and Megan McDowell.
A young boy encounters a mysterious stranger clinging to life, and through their connection, unsettling secrets are revealed. As the stranger’s final moments unfold, a disturbing narrative of fragmented identities and a looming threat emerges. The story explores the strength of familial ties and the unsettling nature of fear and uncertainty in a world where nothing is as it seems.
Fever Dream Cast & Characters
Guillermo Pfening leads the cast as Marco, with Cristina Banegas as Curandera and María Valverde as Amanda. Directed by Claudia Llosa; 10 actors are credited in all.
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Director Claudia Llosa
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Guillermo Pfening as Marco -
Cristina Banegas as Curandera -
María Valverde as Amanda -
Dolores Fonzi as Carola
Also Starring in Fever Dream
· 6 more- Jolene Andersen Carola
- Germán Palacios Omar
- Emilio Vodanovich David
- Marcelo Michinaux David
- Guillermina Sorribes Liotta Nina
- Macarena Barros Montero Mamá de Nena
Fever Dream Reviews & Ratings
Critics gave Fever Dream 71% on Rotten Tomatoes and 75 on Metacritic, and IMDb users rate it 5.8/10. Our Echo Score gives it 67/100, strongest in character & emotion (80) and weakest in rewatch factor (50).
Fever Dream Echo Score Breakdown
Fever Dream presents a visually striking but narratively uneven experience. Critics praise its atmospheric cinematography and evocative soundscape, while many viewers note confusion and unresolved plot threads that hinder engagement. Performances, especially from the leads, receive consistent commendation, yet the film’s pacing and thematic overload dilute its impact. The resulting impression is one of a bold, artistically ambitious work that struggles to sustain narrative clarity, making it appealing to a niche audience but less rewarding for broader viewers.
Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.
- Art & Craft 78
In terms of art and craft, the film excels in its atmospheric cinematography and meticulous production design. Reviewers highlight the sensually shot frames, dreamlike photography, and cohesive visual palette that reinforce the story's unsettling mood. Some critics note the excessive darkness as a drawback, but the majority acknowledge the deliberate stylistic choices. Overall, the artistic execution is strong and contributes significantly to the film's identity.
- Character & Emotion 80
When it comes to character and emotion, the lead performances are widely praised for their depth and authenticity. Critics and users commend the nuanced portrayals of motherhood and the emotional resonance between the actors. While a few viewers find the motivations vague, the consensus emphasizes the strong acting as a central strength. Consequently, the character work stands out as a compelling element of the film.
- Story & Flow 55
The story and flow receive mixed reactions, with many noting the film's ambitious themes and layered mystery. Positive remarks focus on the intriguing premise and unsettling twists, yet frequent criticism targets the sluggish pacing, cluttered narrative, and unresolved supernatural elements. Viewers often feel left with unanswered questions, diminishing overall engagement. As a result, the storytelling is seen as uneven and partially unsatisfying.
- Sensory Experience 70
Sensory experience is largely praised for its haunting soundtrack and immersive sound design. Critics describe the atmospheric construction as intoxicating, and several users mention the effective use of music to heighten tension. Some negative feedback points to overly dark lighting that obscures visual detail, but the general sentiment remains favorable. The sensory components thus enhance the film’s mood, though not without minor flaws.
- Rewatch Factor 50
Rewatch factor is divided; the film’s unconventional structure and puzzling narrative attract a subset of viewers who appreciate its layered complexity. Positive comments note the film’s lasting impression and curiosity it sparks on subsequent viewings. Conversely, many users describe it as inaccessible, confusing, or unsuitable for repeat enjoyment. This polarity leads to an average assessment of moderate replay value.
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IMDb 5.8 /10
See on IMDb -
Rotten Tomatoes 71% Tomatometer
Popcornmeter 45%
See on Rotten Tomatoes -
Metacritic 75 Metascore
User score 5.7
See on Metacritic -
TMDB 100% User score
See on TMDB -
Letterboxd 3.1 /5
13 ratings
See on Letterboxd -
Movie Insider 3.0 /5
See on Movie Insider
Fever Dream Also Known As
18 alternative titles, including “O Fio Invisível” and “Das Gift”.
- Also known as
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- O Fio Invisível
- Das Gift
- Toxique
- 피버 드림
- Mimo dosah
- Distanza di sicurezza
- Sayıklama
- Lázálom
- Bezpieczna odległość
- 浮生熱夢
- 营救距离
- Ảo Mộng Ma Quái
+6 more Show fewer
- Рятівна дистанція
- מרחק ביטחון
- Vis febril
- Дистанция спасения
- Απόσταση Ασφαλείας
- 悪夢は苛む
Seen Fever Dream?
Fever Dream FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date
Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings, the book behind it, post-credit scenes and language of Fever Dream, each answered in a sentence.
How long is Fever Dream?
Fever Dream runs 1 hour 33 minutes (93 minutes).
When was Fever Dream released?
Fever Dream was released on October 6, 2021.
Who directed Fever Dream?
Fever Dream was directed by Claudia Llosa.
More films by Claudia Llosa Who is in the cast of Fever Dream?
Fever Dream stars Guillermo Pfening as Marco, Cristina Banegas as Curandera and María Valverde as Amanda, among 10 credited actors.
How is Fever Dream rated?
Fever Dream has 5.8/10 on IMDb, 71% on Rotten Tomatoes, 75 on Metacritic and 100% on TMDB.
Is Fever Dream based on a book?
Yes. Fever Dream is adapted from Fever Dream by Samanta Schweblin and Megan McDowell.
Does Fever Dream have a post-credit scene?
No. Fever Dream has no extra scene during or after the credits.
What language is Fever Dream in?
The original language of Fever Dream is Spanish.
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