DreamQuil is a 2026 psychological thriller film starring John C. Reilly and Elizabeth Banks and co-written, produced and directed by Alex Prager in her feature length debut.
The film had its world premiere at SXSW Film & TV Festival on March 16, 2026.[1][2][3]
Premise
Set in the near future, a woman embarks on a virtual wellness retreat in order to get her life back on track – but with nightmarish consequences.
Cast
- John C. Reilly as Gary
- Elizabeth Banks as Carol
- Juliette Lewis as Nurse Chapman
- Kathryn Newton as Margo Case
- Sofia Boutella as Rebecca
Production
Patriot Pictures produced the film alongside Arts & Sciences, Elizabeth Banks, Max Handelman and Alison Small for Brownstone Productions, Vincent Landay (Landay Entertainment) and Alex Prager (Big Valley Pictures).[4] The film also marks Prager’s feature debut, who co-wrote the script with her sister Vanessa.[5]
Filming was delayed by the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.[5] In May 2024, just as filming commenced in Los Angeles, Republic Pictures pre-emptively acquired North American distribution rights to the film, with financier HanWay Films handling international sales,[4] Later that month, it was announced that Juliette Lewis, Kathryn Newton, and Sofia Boutella joined the cast.[6] Lol Crawley served as the cinematographer,[7] while Matt Cheesé and Brad Besser and edited the film.[8]
References
- ^ Wiseman, Andreas (May 7, 2024). “Elizabeth Banks & John C. Reilly Thriller ‘DreamQuil’ Pre-Sells To Paramount’s Republic Pictures; HanWay To Continue Sales In Cannes With Filming Underway”. Deadline. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
- ^ Galuppo, Mia (February 4, 2026). “‘The Comeback,’ Red Hot Chili Peppers Doc Added to SXSW Lineup”. The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
- ^ Canfield, David (March 10, 2026). “Elizabeth Banks Takes on Trippy Body Horror and the Allure of AI in ‘DreamQuil’“. The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved March 20, 2026.
- ^ a b Wiseman, Andreas (May 7, 2024). “Elizabeth Banks & John C. Reilly Thriller ‘Dreamquil’ Pre-Sells To Paramount’s Republic Pictures; HanWay To Continue Sales In Cannes With Filming Underway”. Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 7, 2024.
- ^ a b Ntim, Zac (May 16, 2023). “Elizabeth Banks On Dangers Of AI Amid Writers Strike: “We Have To Hold The Line As A Community” – Cannes”. Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved April 25, 2024.
- ^ Tartaglione, Nancy (May 9, 2024). “Juliette Lewis Joins Elizabeth Banks & John C. Reilly In Alex Prager’s ‘DreamQuil’; Kathryn Newton & Sofia Boutella Also Aboard”. Deadline Hollywood. Retrieved May 9, 2024.
- ^ Lol Crawley, BSC
- ^ Brad Besser Resume
