Classics: A Review of What Dreams May Come By Lauren Ennis

How far would you go for the one you love? That is the question that lies at the heart of 1998's romantic drama What Dreams May Come. At once an apt retelling of the Orpheus and Eurydice myth and a universal tale of love and loss the film is a testament to the power of the human heart. Through its exploration of one man's journey to hell and back the film relates a powerful tale of the transformative power of love even in the face of death itself. This Valentine's Day enjoy a corner of cinematic heaven with What Dreams May Come.

The story begins with Chris and Annie's chance meeting when their boats collide on a lake in Switzerland. The two experience an instant connection and are soon married. Years later, they are enjoying an idyllic life with their two teenage children. Their tranquil existence is shattered when tragedy strikes and both of their children are killed in a car accident. Just when they begin to pick up the pieces of their lives and marriage their world is upended once again when Chris is run down while trying to act as a good Samaritan. Chris is instantly transported to heaven where he is reunited with his children, mentor, and dog leaving Annie to cope with her grief alone. Consumed with loss, she eventually commits suicide, but rather than reuniting with Chris she remains trapped within the hell of her own mind. Chris then sets out on a journey into Hell itself to be reunited with her even if it means losing his place in heaven forever.

At once a spiritual meditation on life, loss, and all that lay beyond and an ode to the redemptive power of human connection What Dreams May Come is a film that is truly out of this world. The film sets itself apart from other romantic dramas by using its central love story to explore such weighty topics as death, grief, suicide, and the afterlife.  The film treats each of these topics with sensitivity and gravity, but avoids collapsing under the weight of its subject matter. Instead, the film uses these weighty topics to relate a tale of redemption and healing that offers a beacon of hope in the darkest of times. Through its exploration of Chris and Annie's journeys the film highlights the ways in which our love of others allows us to live on even in the face of death itself. At once entirely original and wholly universal What Dreams May Come is the stuff that cinematic dreams are made of.

The film is brought to vibrant life than to the heavenly performances of its cast. Jessica Brooks Grant aptly combines tomboy sass with vulnerability as Chris and Annie's daughter, Marie. Josh Paddock portrays Chris and Annie's son, Ian with an intelligence, earnestness, and maturity that belie his young years. Cuba Gooding Jr. portrays Chris' mentor, Albert with gentle humor and infectious charm. Max von Sydow portrays Chris' guide through the afterlife with gravitas and mystique. Even in the midst of ample supporting performances the film belongs to Robin Williams and Annabella Sciorra as Chris and Annie. Sciorra portrays Annie's grief with a raw emotion that is nothing short of devastating without sacrificing any of the warmth and charisma that continues to draw Chris to her. Williams infuses Chris with his signature humor and charm while turning in one of the most complex performances of his legendary career.

Over the course of its two hours What Dreams May Come takes viewers on an unforgettable journey from the heights of heaven to the deepest depths of the human heart. The film's combination of breathtaking visuals and innovative storytelling make for a bold cinematic vision. The stellar performances of the cast bring each of the film's characters to vibrant life. Fall in love with Chris and Annie in What Dreams May Come.