Waking

Waking is an ingenious blend of romance, drama, and fantasy that premiered in 2013. This predominantly character-driven American film touches upon complex subjects such as dreams, reality, fate, and love in a masterful manner that is both thought-provoking and subtly brilliant. Helmed by the talented trio—Skyler Caleb, Meg Cionni, and Tim Daly—the film offers a unique compelling storyline that unfolds beautifully.

The narrative primarily revolves around the life of Ben, portrayed by Skyler Caleb, a talented artist who is plagued with vivid dreams of a woman he’s never met. These dreams seem disturbingly real, and he sketches out his visions of her, aiming to capture her essence on paper, but he longs to meet her in the waking world. He possesses an unexplainable connection to his mysterious dream lady and that connection compels him all the more to go look for her.

Opposite Skyler Caleb, Meg Cionni wonderfully portrays the role of Alison, the woman from Ben’s dreams. She is depicted as a successful professional living a seemingly perfect life until her path crosses with Ben. Delivered with subtlety and grace, her performance adds a unique depth to the movie’s undertones. One extraordinary characteristic of this movie is how it invites its viewers to contemplate the fine line between dreams and reality.

Tim Daly, another pivotal character, does a stellar job of supporting the central theme by encapsulating a voice of reason and wisdom. With his seasoned acting skills, he lends a realistic ambiance to the film and helps bind the film's story together.

The film is set in the beautifully bustling city of Los Angeles, where Ben’s everyday life is aesthetically contrasted with the surreal world of his dreams. The cinematography deserves a mention for painstakingly capturing every nuance of Los Angeles, from the breathtakingly luminous skyline to the captivating life at street level.

The film’s direction smoothly marries the twin genres of drama and fantasy into a cohesive storyline. The thread of reality against a backdrop of mystical dream-world allows the director to maneuver the storyline through multiple dimensions of storytelling while keeping the audience intrigued.

Waking also uses the theme of the intertwining of fate and destiny to a great extent. The meetings and interactions, happenstances and designed moments, all are laid out in an eerily fated manner, making the viewers question if things are indeed just a series of coincidences or if there is a grand design at play aligning the stars.

The brilliant background score of the movie effectively adds to its dreamy aura. The sound design complements the narrative, subtly underlining the contrast between Ben’s real and dream worlds. The rich and carefully nuanced sound production adds a lot to the film, enhancing the surrealism and fantastical elements that the movie employs.

One of the film's strong suits is the believable chemistry between the lead actors. Skyler Caleb and Meg Cionni both give out performances that are enigmatic yet grounded, allowing the audience to attach emotionally. Their performances allow the viewers to believe in the power of dreams, the intertwining of destinies, and above all, the power of love.

Despite dealing with such deep and bold subjects, Waking is not heavy or oppressive, it maintains a light-hearted undertone that the audience can connect with. The screenplay is quick-witted and engaging, offering moments of humor and surprise. Striking a perfect balance between surreality and the rustic charm of the ordinary, the film offers a palate that tastes as fresh as it does nostalgic.

In conclusion, Waking is a remarkably unusual creation. It beautifully explores the mingling realms of dreams and reality, love, destiny, and free will. It treads the line, balancing these dramatic themes with a delightful charm that keeps the audience engaged. The tale is woven against the picturesque backdrop of Los Angeles, bringing the city alive in all its glory and chaos.

All in all, Waking isn't just a film—it's a thought-provoking journey that dives deep into the realm of dreams and reality. An emotional rollercoaster that keeps the viewer captivated from the beginning till the end, this stunning romance-fantasy-drama film is sure to leave a lasting impact.