Sweet Dreams (2023)
A colonial inheritance ignites upheaval in Ena Sendijarević's visually arresting drama set on a Dutch-ruled island estate.
Sweet Dreams - Movie Information
- Original Title: Sweet Dreams
- Release Year: 2023
- Directed by: Ena Sendijarević
- Type: Movie
- Genres: Drama
- Runtime: 1h 42m
- Original Language: Dutch
- Spoken Languages: Indonesian, Dutch
- Release Date (Theatrical): September 28, 2023 (Netherlands - 14)
- Alternative Titles: 甜美的梦 (CN), 熱帶的甜蜜 (TW), Zoete dromen (NL)
- Production Companies: Lemming Film, Plattform Produktion, Film i Väst, VPRO, Talamedia
- Production Countries: Indonesia, Netherlands, Reunion, Sweden
Sweet Dreams - Plot
Tumultuous events triggered by the death of a Dutch sugar plantation owner who ends up leaving his Indian Ocean island estate to his young illegitimate son - the child of his Indonesian housemaid.
Sweet Dreams - Trailer
Watch the official trailer and get a first look at this striking colonial drama:
Where to Watch Sweet Dreams
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Sweet Dreams - Cast & Crew
Director(s)
- Ena Sendijarević
Main Cast
- Hayati Azis
- Renée Soutendijk
- Lisa Zweerman
- Kaan Lativan
- Florian Myjer
- Rio Kaj Den Haas
- Hans Dagelet
- Verdi Solaiman
- Bart Klever
- Chris Nietvelt
Writers
- Ena Sendijarević
Producers
- Leontine Petit
- Erik Glijnis
Sweet Dreams - FAQs
Where can you watch Sweet Dreams online?
Sweet Dreams is available to rent or buy on Amazon Video, Apple TV Store, Google Play Movies, and YouTube. It can also be rented on Plex and streamed for free with ads on Tubi TV. Availability may vary by region.
Is Sweet Dreams based on a true story?
Sweet Dreams is not based on a specific true story. However, it draws on the real historical context of Dutch colonial rule in Indonesia, exploring themes of inheritance, class, and racial inequality rooted in that era's documented social dynamics.
Who are the main actors in Sweet Dreams?
The film stars Hayati Azis as Siti, Renée Soutendijk as Agatha, Lisa Zweerman as Josefien, Kaan Lativan as Reza, Florian Myjer as Cornelis, Rio Kaj Den Haas as Karel, Hans Dagelet as Jan, Verdi Solaiman as Hong, Bart Klever as Hendrik, and Chris Nietvelt.
What is Sweet Dreams about?
Sweet Dreams follows the turbulent aftermath of a Dutch sugar plantation owner's death on an Indian Ocean island. His decision to leave the estate to his young illegitimate son — born of his Indonesian housemaid — ignites conflict among the colonial household's inhabitants.
Who directed Sweet Dreams (2023)?
Sweet Dreams was directed by Ena Sendijarević, a Bosnian-Dutch filmmaker known for her visually precise, politically charged storytelling. She also wrote the screenplay, making Sweet Dreams a deeply personal and auteur-driven work exploring colonialism and power.
What language is Sweet Dreams filmed in?
Sweet Dreams is an original Dutch-language film that also features Indonesian dialogue. The original language is Dutch, and the film incorporates both Indonesian and Dutch as spoken languages, reflecting its colonial-era setting and multinational production background.
When was Sweet Dreams released?
Sweet Dreams had its theatrical release in the Netherlands on September 28, 2023. It received its US release on April 12, 2024. The film was produced across Indonesia, the Netherlands, Réunion, and Sweden.
How was Sweet Dreams received by critics?
Sweet Dreams earned strong critical praise for its striking visual style, restrained performances, and incisive examination of colonial power structures. Critics highlighted Ena Sendijarević's confident direction and the film's painterly cinematography as standout achievements.
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