Dreamland

Dreamland

Year: 2020

Runtime: 92 min

Language: English

Director: Bruce McDonald

FantasyHorrorComedyCrime

During the hardships of 1930s Texas, young Eugene Evans struggles with the disappearance of his father and the harsh realities of life. He finds solace in adventure stories, escaping the dust storms and broken dreams that surround him. Alongside his friend Joe, Eugene navigates adolescence and yearns for a life beyond the desolate landscape, clinging to the hope found within the pages of his beloved dime novels.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline & Setting – Dreamland (2020)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Dreamland (2020). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

1930s

The 1930s was a tumultuous decade marked by the Great Depression, which deeply affected the American economy and society. The Dust Bowl, a series of severe dust storms, devastated farming communities across the Southern Plains, including Texas. This context of scarcity and desperation influences the characters' decisions and the unfolding drama.

Location

Texas

The film is set in 1930s Texas, a region known for its vast landscapes and harsh climate, particularly during the Dust Bowl. The small town reflects the struggles of the Great Depression, with families grappling with drought and economic hardship. Texas serves as a backdrop for Eugene's journey towards adult responsibility and confrontation of moral dilemmas.

🌵 Texas 🏜️ Small town

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:44

Main Characters – Dreamland (2020)

Meet the key characters of Dreamland (2020), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Eugene Evans

Eugene is a young boy longing for a father figure and a better life, grappling with the abandonment of his actual father. His friendship with Joseph and connection with Allison drive him towards a series of reckless decisions that blur the lines between right and wrong. He embodies innocence caught in the turmoil of adult conflicts.

👦 Young 🚶‍♂️ Adventurous 💔 Vulnerable

Allison Wells

Allison is a fugitive with a turbulent past, whose charm and desperation attract Eugene's attention. Her willingness to manipulate situations for her gain highlights her complexity; she's both a victim of circumstance and a catalyst for Eugene's transformation. Her tragic fate serves as a moral lesson entwined with loss and regret.

🚨 Criminal 💔 Manipulative 🌊 Tragic

George Evans

George represents the challenges of parental responsibility amidst turmoil. As Eugene's stepfather and a lawman, he seeks to guide Eugene while grappling with his role in the family and community. His firm stance on morality contrasts sharply with Eugene's choices, leading to a tragic conflict that shapes their relationship.

👮 Lawman 👨‍👧‍👦 Father figure 💔 Conflicted

Phoebe

Phoebe is Eugene's younger sister who serves as a poignant narrator of the story. Her innocence contrasts with the dark turns of events, and her perspective adds depth to the family's struggles. Phoebe's observations illustrate the impact of adult decisions on children caught in difficult circumstances.

👧 Young 👁️ Observer 💔 Innocent

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:44

Major Themes – Dreamland (2020)

Explore the central themes of Dreamland (2020), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

💔 Betrayal

The theme of betrayal runs deep as Eugene grapples with trust, particularly regarding Allison's motives. Her initial deception leads to a series of tragic decisions that impact their fates. This theme underscores the consequences of misplaced trust and the complexities of human relationships in desperate times.

🏃‍♂️ Escape

Escape serves as a central motif in the film, depicting Eugene's desire to flee from his troubled life and search for a father figure. Both he and Allison seek to break free from their constraints, leading them to reckless actions that ultimately shape their destinies. The quest for freedom reveals the allure and dangers of chasing a new life.

👪 Family

Family dynamics are crucial in the story, influencing Eugene’s actions and motivations throughout. The film explores the complexities of his relationship with George, as well as the bond with his younger sister, Phoebe. The pressure to protect loved ones in times of crisis shapes the characters' choices and their fateful confrontations.

Last Updated: May 04, 2025 at 18:44

Unlock the Full Story of Dreamland

Don't stop at just watching — explore Dreamland in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Dreamland is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Dreamland Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Dreamland, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Dreamland Summary

Dreamland Timeline

Track the full timeline of Dreamland with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Dreamland Timeline

More About Dreamland

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Dreamland: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Dreamland

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