DreamQuil

DreamQuil
Directed byAlex Prager
Written by
Produced by
  • Natalie Perrotta
  • Scott Putman
  • Matt Aselton
  • Marc Marrie
  • Mal Ward
  • Elizabeth Banks
  • Max Handelman
  • Vincent Landay
  • Alex Prager
  • Alison Small
  • Michael Mendelsohn
Starring
CinematographyLol Crawley
Edited by
  • Matt Chessé
  • Brad Besser
Production
companies
Distributed by
Release date
  • March 16, 2026 (2026-03-16) (SXSW)
Running time
89 minutes
Countries
  • United Kingdom
  • United States
LanguageEnglish

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]

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

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).[3] The film also marks Prager's feature debut, who co-wrote the script with her sister Vanessa.[4]

Filming was delayed by the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike.[4] 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,[3] Later that month, it was announced that Juliette Lewis, Kathryn Newton, and Sofia Boutella joined the cast.[5] Lol Crawley served as the cinematographer,[6] while Matt Cheesé and Brad Besser and edited the film.[7]

References

  1. ^ 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.
  2. ^ Galuppo, Mia (February 4, 2026). "'The Comeback,' Red Hot Chili Peppers Doc Added to SXSW Lineup". The Hollywood Reporter. Retrieved February 4, 2026.
  3. ^ 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.
  4. ^ 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.
  5. ^ 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.
  6. ^ Lol Crawley, BSC
  7. ^ Brad Besser Resume