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Magazine Dreams
2025 123 min United States of America R 18+
★6.8
Drama
Director: Elijah Bynum
Trailers
EN
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Description
Aspiring bodybuilder Killian Maddox struggles to find human connection in an exploration of celebrity and violence. Nothing deters him from his fiercely protected dream of superstardom, not even the doctors who warn him of the permanent damage he causes to himself with his quest.
US Gross:
$1.17M
Worldwide:
$1.08M
Starring
Jonathan Majors
Actor
Harrison Page
Actor
Harriet Sansom Harris
Actor
Awards
Sundance Film Festival 2023
— Grand Jury Prize (Drama)
Key opinion
Magazine Dreams is a dark, intense character study of an obsessive bodybuilder that has drawn frequent comparisons to Taxi Driver and Joker. While Jonathan Majors' committed physical and psychological performance is universally acknowledged, critics are divided on whether the film offers a profound exploration of toxic masculinity or merely relies on relentless, over-the-top stylistic flourishes.
| Acting | Jonathan Majors delivers a visceral and highly committed performance that effectively anchors the protagonist's descent into instability. | |
| Cinematography | The film utilizes striking visual techniques, including rotating camera movements and a contrasting color palette, to mirror the protagonist's internal conflict. | |
| Theme | The narrative draws clear, intentional parallels to iconic outsiders in cinema like those found in Taxi Driver to explore themes of social isolation. | |
| Direction | Opinions on direction are split; some praise the flawless execution of atmospheric tension, while others argue that the constant use of dissonant music and aggressive camera work becomes repetitive and cringey. | |
| Screenplay | The screenplay is viewed through two lenses: as a raw, honest examination of the dark side of bodybuilding, or as an occasionally implausible narrative that overreaches in its attempts to shock. |