Below Dreams (2014)
A quietly urgent portrait of three young Americans searching for purpose against the weight of economic hardship and broken promises.
Below Dreams - Movie Information
- Original Title: Below Dreams
- Release Year: 2014
- Directed by: Garrett Bradley
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 22m
- Original Language: English
- Spoken Languages: English
- Production Countries: United States of America
Below Dreams - Plot
Against the backdrop of New York and New Orleans, Elliott, Leanne and Jermaine question their ability to dream amidst a crumbling economic climate. Opening in the streets of downtown Manhattan, Elliott (23), living at home after college, is surrounded by incomplete projects, frustrated and in search of purpose. Simultaneously, in New Orleans, Leanne (26), an aspiring model/actress and single mother of four, struggles to pick up the pieces, presenting at times a clash between family and her ambitious career. Plagued by an unforgiving criminal record, Jermaine (22), a New Orleans native, shifts through his home town for what seems like a hopeless attempt at legal employment. After a series of rejections, he resolves to reinvent himself in hopes of successfully starting anew.
Below Dreams - Trailer
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Below Dreams - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Garrett Bradley
Main Cast
- Elliott Ehlers
- Jamaine Johnson
- Rebecca Matalon
- Leanne Miller
- Dottie Youmans
Writers
- Garrett Bradley
Producers
- Andrew Vogelman
- David Stekert
Below Dreams - FAQs
What is Below Dreams about?
Below Dreams follows three young Americans — Elliott, Leanne, and Jermaine — as they confront economic hardship, personal ambition, and the struggle to find purpose. Set across New York and New Orleans, the film portrays their individual battles with unemployment, single parenthood, and a criminal record that complicates any fresh start.
Who directed Below Dreams?
Below Dreams was directed by Garrett Bradley, a filmmaker known for her intimate, observational approach to documentary and narrative storytelling. The film marked an early feature credit for Bradley, who would later earn widespread recognition for her documentary work exploring race, identity, and the American experience.
Is Below Dreams based on a true story?
Below Dreams blurs the line between documentary and fiction. Director Garrett Bradley cast non-professional actors who largely portray versions of themselves, lending the film a strong autobiographical and observational quality. While not a strict documentary, its characters and situations are deeply rooted in real lives and genuine social circumstances.
Who are the main actors in Below Dreams?
The film features Elliott Ehlers as Elliot, Jamaine Johnson as Jamaine, Rebecca Matalon as Rebecca, Leanne Miller as Leanne, and Dottie Youmans as herself. The cast is composed largely of non-professional performers, which contributes to the film's raw, naturalistic texture and emotional authenticity.
Where can I stream or watch Below Dreams?
Below Dreams is available to rent or buy on several digital platforms, including Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, YouTube, and Fandango At Home. It is not currently available on a major subscription streaming service, but can be accessed on demand through any of these platforms.
When was Below Dreams released?
Below Dreams had its release on April 18, 2014. The film premiered on the independent circuit and gained attention for Garrett Bradley's distinctive directorial voice, drawing comparisons to observational cinema traditions while addressing timely themes of economic inequality and the pursuit of the American dream.
How long is Below Dreams?
Below Dreams has a runtime of 82 minutes, making it a lean, focused feature that wastes little time in immersing viewers in the parallel lives of its three central characters. The compact length suits the film's intimate, slice-of-life approach, keeping the emotional momentum steady throughout.
What films are similar to Below Dreams?
Viewers who appreciate Below Dreams may also enjoy The Hurt Locker (2008) for its raw intensity, or He Loves Me… He Loves Me Not (2002) for its character-driven storytelling. Films like Schönefeld Boulevard (2014) and Land Where My Fathers Died (1991) share a similar interest in lives shaped by circumstance and limited opportunity.
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