The Dreamer

The Dreamer by Mohammed Alumneer is an animated short film, depicting three different stories emanating from the character Alex William. Our protagonist communicates the importance of self-belief and empowerment against those who discourage others and the world, which in its natural course can be an obstacle to one’s dreams or success.

The direct narrative from Alex William is poetic and passionate, using powerful metaphors and similes to describe the pull of his destiny and the struggle to adhere to it. The dialogue possesses a certain rhythm which engages the audience while also grounding each of the stories that follow. Despite starting with a vigorous, impressive dialogue, such an introduction is met with a disappointingly linear initial story. ‘Back To School Good Student’ lacked intricacy and narrative prowess - it delivers a more passive, impersonal plot. Although the delivery falters, the story itself is satisfying in its course of hardship being met with eventual reward. This offers themes of perseverance, morality, and fate. Fate is an unceasingly captivating concept, rooted in otherworldly mystery - its place in the first story is therefore a point of intrigue for the audience to ruminate on.

The following stories spring from the success of the one prior, and their styles differ in animation as well as storytelling. They explore different types of adversity, increasing the variety of the film but remaining constant in the theme of perseverance despite it. The storytelling aspect is improved by the voices given to the characters, as it adds a layer of depth and ultimately favours the viewing experience. Audiences are particularly impacted with the final story, which shares a conversation on self-belief. Though it takes place in a classroom of young children, the lesson on its importance applies to anyone who watches. What is presented as a new concept to children is simultaneously a reminder to those already aware of its existence, but in need of a reminder.

The short film excels in the central theme of empowerment which runs through each narrative and the character Alex William. He not only oversees each story's inception, but simultaneously offers his own story of perseverance and determination which sews the trilogy together, making an entertaining viewing journey. The narrative of the stories are however flawed in their shallow, straight-forward nature, coming across as unegaging. Arguably the quality of animation, depth of the stories and narration are not equal to the significance of its themes - empowerment and self-belief. Such topics deserve an intricate portrayal to fully communicate their power and importance.