Cast
View AllDenzel Whitaker
as Alieu
Haley Webb
as Maya
Rick Hearst
as Venus
Trevor Zhou
as Cheng
Ric Reitz
as Steven
Darnell Kirkwood
as Tariq
Jeff Pearson
as Marcus
Fay Ann Lee
as Lillian
Maurii Davenport
as Fatima
Jared Wofford
as Lamar
Tyshon Freeman
as Jay
Zach Lane
as Dylan
Adam Drescher
as Beau
Brian Troxell
as Senator Bane
Andrew Masset
as Shaw
Crew
Director
- Quincy Ledbetter
Writer
- Quincy Ledbetter
Reviews
Thematic Analysis
As a dramatic work, Alieu the Dreamer examines complex human relationships and emotional struggles against the backdrop of contemporary challenges that mirror our own experiences. The character development particularly stands out, offering viewers a chance to reflect on their own life journeys.
Director Quincy Ledbetter brings their distinctive visual style to this film, continuing their exploration of themes seen in their previous works while adding new elements. Their approach to character development and emotional depth creates a viewing experience that rewards close attention.
Released in 2020, the film exists within a cultural context that continues to evolve with our understanding of its themes. Its reception demonstrates the diverse reactions to its artistic choices and its place in cinema history.
Did You Know?
- The production of Alieu the Dreamer took approximately 31 months from pre-production to final cut.
- The final cut of the film runs for 88 minutes, though the director's initial assembly was reportedly 143 minutes long.
- The director insisted on using practical effects whenever possible, reserving CGI for only the most necessary scenes.
- The screenplay went through 10 major revisions before the final shooting script was approved.
- Some visual effects sequences took up to 11 months to complete.
Historical Context
- In 2020, when this film is released:
- Streaming platforms had largely replaced traditional cinema and television models.
- The COVID-19 pandemic transformed global health, economics, and social interaction.
- Streaming platforms were disrupting traditional distribution models and changing how audiences consumed films.
How This Film Stands Out
Details
- Release Date: October 22, 2020
- Runtime: 1h 28m