In Dreams
Performance & Direction: In Dreams Review
Last updated: February 17, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is In Dreams (1999) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE with a verified audience rating of 5.5/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Mystery.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Mystery is often anchored by its ensemble, and In Dreams features a noteworthy lineup led by Annette Bening . Supported by the likes of Aidan Quinn and Stephen Rea , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: In Dreams
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 1999, In Dreams is a Mystery, Thriller, Horror film directed by Neil Jordan. The narrative presents a compelling narrative that engages viewers from start to finish. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Annette Bening.
Ending Explained: In Dreams
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Neil Jordan, In Dreams attempts to tie together its various plot elements. The finale presents its approach to mystery resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Annette Bening, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the mystery themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of In Dreams reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch In Dreams?
Consider Watching If:
- You're a completist for Mystery films
- You're curious despite mixed reviews
- You have low expectations and want casual entertainment
Box Office Collection: In Dreams
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $30.0M |
| Worldwide Gross | $12.0M |
| Trade Verdict | FINANCIAL DISAPPOINTMENT |
In Dreams Budget
The estimated production budget for In Dreams is $30.0M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: In Dreams
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch In Dreams Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoIn Dreams Parents Guide & Age Rating
1999 AdvisoryWondering about In Dreams age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of In Dreams is 100 minutes (1h 40m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 5.5/10, and global performance metrics, In Dreams is classified as a ABOVE AVERAGE. It remains an essential part of the 1999 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is In Dreams worth watching?
In Dreams is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Mystery movies. It has a verified rating of 5.5/10 and stands as a ABOVE AVERAGE in our box office analysis.
Where can I find In Dreams parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for In Dreams identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of In Dreams?
The total duration of In Dreams is 100 minutes, which is approximately 1h 40m long.
Best Movies to Watch if you liked In Dreams
How In Dreams Compares & Where it Ranks
Critic Reviews for In Dreams
Stylistic Dirge. In Dreams is directed by Neil Jordan and adapted to screenplay by Jordan and Bruce Robinson from the Bari Wood novel. It stars Annette Bening, Aidan Quinn, Robert Downey Jr.and Paul Guilfoyle. Music is by Elliot Goldenthal and cinematography by Darius Khondji. In this contrived thriller, Bening is a grief stricken housewife who finds her thoughts in sync with a serial killer (a ridiculously miscast Downey Jr.). Neil Jordan is a great director, but he's also a very frustrating one, case in point In Dreams. The visuals are outstanding here as Jordan and Khondji paint a nightmarish world, but the flashbacks are unfocused and any sense of suspense or plot progression is lost in a whirl of stylised indulgence. Strip away the style and you find a formulaic serial killer picture hiding behind arty farty stubbornness. Bening's performance deserves a better movie, and it is with her, and the visual smarts, that the pic remains of interest till its resolution. 5/10
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
