Wishing for a Dream

"Wishing for a Dream" is a transformative, emotional rollercoaster that circles the lives and efforts of two aspiring artists striving to accomplish success in the highly competitive world of Hollywood entertainment. The film was released in 2016 and was directed by established filmmaker Jared Cohn, paired with the talented star duo of Sara Malakul Lane and Nicole Alexandra Shipley. This dramatic exposé blends the elements of romance, passion, struggle, and the undeniable tenacity of the human spirit.

"Wishing for a Dream" opens with Maren Abbot (played by Sara Malakul Lane), a young and driven actor whose talent truly shines; yet, despite her best attempts, meaningful roles remain just slightly out of reach. On the other side, we have her boyfriend, Bo Banks (played by Nicole Alexandra Shipley), an aspiring filmmaker who has the right vision and astute storytelling competences but just can't seem to secure the funding to put his ideas into motion.

The audiences are plunged into the bittersweet tumult of emotion as they observe the couple's relentless pursuit of their dreams, be it on the audacious platform of an audition stage or behind the entrepreneurial lens of a camera. Their journey is neither easy nor pleasant, cluttered with constant rejection and often led astray by false promises made by dubious producers. The significant scale of competition only adds another layer to their uphill struggle.

Yet, amidst all this adversity, Maren and Bo's love story thrives – perhaps this is the film's most compelling segment. It powers through applauding their efforts while willingly covering the less stellar moments too. Their struggle inspires partnership and mutual support as they tackle each setback with shared strength and breathtaking determination. The vivid affection and sustaining respect between them serve as a beacon of hope, reminding them, and the audiences, that surrender is not an option.

In their desperate quest to achieve success, Maren and Bo drive themselves to the edge of their psychological and emotional limits. The film exposes the darker side of the Hollywood dream and the pressures that young, ambitious artists often fall prey to. Yet, ironically, these harsh experiences add layers of depth to the characters, fleshing out their motivations and fears while testing their resolve and commitment to their dream.

The director, Jared Cohn, has fantastically managed to capture the rawness of their ordeal. Woven with the intense commitment required to make headway in such an industry, "Wishing for a Dream" delivers resounding performances that engage and move the audience. Cohn’s direction has even handedness, seamlessly blending the moments of grit with those of vulnerability in the couple's lives.

Sara Malakul Lane beautifully portrays the role of Maren with a touching vulnerability and a captivating charm that tracks her character's growth throughout the film. Whether it be navigating rejection, the industry's cutthroat nature, or coming to terms with her own uncertainties, Sara's portrayal allows the audience to empathize with her journey. Sultry, yet grounded, she delivers an actor's turmoil with striking conviction.

Nicole Alexandra Shipley, as Bo, delivers a nuanced performance. His longing to make qualitative films in an industry driven by commerce, and his struggle with personal insecurities while nurturing Maren's dreams, requires a layered approach to his character. Shipley expertly navigates this complexity, providing the contrasting perspective to the couple's shared dreams.

"Wishing for a Dream" does not shy away from harshly spotlighting the less glamorous side of Hollywood. It captures the essence of struggling artists' dreams, disappointments, and desires, offering a thought-provoking slice of life represented through undeniable determination. It invites its viewers to take a deeper look into the complexities of the Hollywood narrative, aspiring acting, and filmmaking - a road that is paved with hard choices, sacrifices, and relentless perseverance.

If you're a fan of romance and drama with a bit of grit thrown in for good measure, "Wishing for a Dream" is a compelling exploration that encapsulates the struggles of living the Hollywood dream. This isn't a simple tale of ungratified aspiration; it's a narrative about dreams, resilience, and compromise, as seen through the lives of two extraordinarily ordinary dreamers.