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Drama thriller

Fever Dream (2021): Cast & Ratings

Fever Dream (2021) movie poster

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.

IMDb rating
5.8/10
Rotten Tomatoes
71%
Echo Score
67
Metascore
75
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Fever Dream (2021) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 33m (93 min)
Director
Claudia Llosa
Genres
Drama , Mystery , Thriller , Horror
Original language
Spanish
Studio
Netflix
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

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.

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Cast & crew

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.

Ratings

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).

67 /100

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.

Details

Fever Dream Also Known As

18 alternative titles, including “O Fio Invisível” and “Das Gift”.

Also known as
  • 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
  • Рятівна дистанція
  • מרחק ביטחון
  • Vis febril
  • Дистанция спасения
  • Απόσταση Ασφαλείας
  • 悪夢は苛む

Seen Fever Dream?

FAQ

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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