The Sci-Fi Thriller On Netflix That Uses Dreams In A New Way

By Steven Nelson | Published

lucid dream

Step into a realm where dreams and reality intertwine, where the depths of the human mind can be as puzzling as any enigmatic thriller. Lucid Dream, now streaming on Netflix, beckons audiences to embark on a cerebral journey, pushing the boundaries of perception and challenging our understanding of memories and consciousness.

As you settle into your seat, prepare to be ensnared in its web of suspense and wonder, questioning what’s real and what’s imagined. Ready yourself, for this film promises a gripping tale that delves deep into the mysteries of the mind.

Lucid Dream is a South Korean science-fiction thriller that revolves around the concept of, you guessed it, lucid dreaming – a type of dream where the dreamer is aware they’re dreaming and can control the dream’s content.

Lucid Dream is a South Korean science-fiction thriller that revolves around the concept of lucid dreaming

The film follows the story of Dae-ho, an investigative journalist who witnesses the abduction of his son three years prior to the events of the film. Even though the police have been involved, the case remains unsolved.

With the memories of that tragic day haunting him and an unyielding drive to find his son, Dae-ho embarks on a quest to uncover the truth. He discovers a groundbreaking method of revisiting his memories through lucid dreaming with the assistance of a psychiatrist friend.

lucid dream

As Dae-ho delves deeper into his dreams, he finds clues and connections that eluded him in the waking world. But the process is not without risks. Venturing too deep into the world of lucid dreaming can have its own set of perils, including not being able to distinguish between reality and dreams.

Dae-ho’s journey through his subconscious not only reveals more about his son’s disappearance but also draws him into a much larger, more complex conspiracy. As the boundary between Dae-ho’s dreams and reality starts to blur, he must race against time to decipher the truth hidden in his memories and save his son.

Lucid Dream is the story of Dae-ho, an investigative journalist who witnesses the abduction of his son three years prior to the events of the film

Directed by Kim Joon-sung, the film explores the psychological and emotional impact of trauma, the reliability of memory, and the lengths a person would go to save a loved one.

In Lucid Dream, dreams are not merely a passive backdrop or a fleeting sequence of events; they are integral to the narrative, playing an active role in unfolding the mystery. The concept of lucid dreaming allows Dae-ho, the protagonist, to actively engage with his dreams, manipulating them to search for clues and interact with memories related to his son’s abduction.

This unique approach to dreams turns them into a tangible, navigable space. As Dae-ho revisits specific moments, he can investigate them from different angles, ask new questions, and notice details he missed the first time around. The dreams, in essence, become an alternative reality – a detective’s playground, if you will, where every detail can be a potential lead.

Furthermore, the mutable nature of dreams in the film means that Dae-ho isn’t just a passive observer. He’s actively altering and engaging with the dream sequences, making choices that affect the outcome of his investigations. This interactive aspect of the dream realm is instrumental in piecing together the fragmented clues of the crime.

However, the dream world is not without its challenges. As Dae-ho dives deeper into his lucid dreams, he confronts the unreliability of memories and the distortion of reality. What’s real, and what’s a mere fabrication of the subconscious?

The dreams, while aiding in the investigation, also present obstacles and threats – they blur the lines between reality and illusion, and there’s a looming danger of Dae-ho becoming lost in this alternate reality.

Dreams in Lucid Dream function both as a tool and an adversary

In essence, dreams in Lucid Dream function both as a tool and an adversary. They offer a unique investigative pathway but also challenge Dae-ho’s perceptions and sanity. This intricate relationship between the character and the dream world adds layers of complexity to the narrative, turning the dreams into an almost sentient character in their own right, guiding and misleading Dae-ho in his quest for truth.

Lucid Dream is a cinematic foray into the depths of the subconscious, masterfully blending the lines between reality and dream. Its innovative take on dream manipulation provides viewers with a thrilling journey as they, alongside the protagonist, navigate the labyrinth of the mind in search of answers. 

This South Korean gem seamlessly merges elements of science fiction with the emotional gravity of a father’s relentless quest, resulting in a gripping tale that resonates long after the credits roll.

For those seeking a blend of cerebral intrigue and heartfelt drama, Lucid Dream on Netflix is a must-watch experience. Dive into the dream world and unravel a mystery that’s as captivating as it is thought-provoking.