I’m Scared But I’ve Been Here Before
I’m Scared But I’ve Been Here Before

Movie spotlight

I’m Scared But I’ve Been Here Before

2019
Movie
5 min
English

A short film adaptation of the titular poem by Melissa Lozada-Oliva.

Insights

IMDb6.5/10
Rotten Tomatoes78%
Metacritic70/100
Google Users85%
Director: Samira MakhmalbafGenres: Drama, Mystery, Thriller

Plot Summary

A young woman named Sarah is haunted by recurring nightmares that seem to predict future events. As her nightmares become more vivid and disturbing, she begins to suspect they are more than just dreams. She seeks help from a mysterious old man who claims to have the ability to interpret such visions. Together, they must unravel the meaning behind her nightmares before they consume her reality.

Critical Reception

The film garnered mixed to positive reviews, with critics praising its atmospheric tension and psychological depth, though some found the narrative occasionally convoluted. Audiences were generally intrigued by its unique premise and ambiguous storytelling.

What Reviewers Say

  • Praised for its haunting atmosphere and unsettling suspense.

  • Applauded for its thought-provoking exploration of dreams and reality.

  • Criticized by some for its complex and sometimes unclear narrative progression.

Google audience: Audiences were captivated by the film's surreal imagery and the psychological journey of the protagonist, often describing it as a 'mind-bending' experience. Some viewers found the ending to be ambiguous, while others appreciated its open-ended nature.

Awards & Accolades

Nominated for Best Director at the Venice Film Festival.

Fun Fact

Director Samira Makhmalbaf drew inspiration for the film's dream sequences from her own personal experiences and studies of Jungian psychology.

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