Dream with the Fishes Poster

Dream with the Fishes 1997

★ 6.829 votes97 min📅 1997-11-21

"An oddball odyssey about voyeurism, LSD and nude bowling!"

Finn Taylor's offbeat 1997 comedy-drama *Dream with the Fishes* follows Terry, a self-destructive voyeur trapped in a cycle of isolation and morbid curiosity.

Director: Finn Taylor

Cast

David Arquette
David Arquette
Terry
Brad Hunt
Brad Hunt
Nick
Kathryn Erbe
Kathryn Erbe
Liz
Patrick McGaw
Patrick McGaw
Don
Cathy Moriarty
Cathy Moriarty
Aunt Elise
J.E. Freeman
J.E. Freeman
Joe
Richmond Arquette
Richmond Arquette
Cop
Katherine Copenhaver
Nick's Bowling 'Date'
Kristina Robbins
Terry's Bowling 'Date'

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Dream with the Fishes (1997) about?

The film centers on Terry, a suicidal voyeur who strikes a macabre deal with a dying addict: he'll indulge the man's final days in exchange for a promise to end his life. Their surreal journey forces both characters to confront the emptiness of their existences while navigating the city's stranger corners.

Who directed Dream with the Fishes?

Finn Taylor directed this 1997 cult comedy-drama, infusing it with his signature dark humor and offbeat storytelling style.

Who stars in Dream with the Fishes?

The cast features David Arquette as Terry, Brad Hunt as the dying addict, and Kathryn Erbe in a memorable supporting role, with standout performances from Cathy Moriarty and J.E. Freeman.

Is Dream with the Fishes (1997) worth watching?

Though unrated, *Dream with the Fishes* has carved out a niche as a cult favorite for fans of quirky, boundary-pushing dramas. Its mix of comedy and existential dread, anchored by strong performances, makes it a rewarding watch for those craving something offbeat and thought-provoking.

How long is Dream with the Fishes?

The film runs for 97 minutes, a tight runtime that keeps the frenetic energy of its story tightly wound.

🎥 Trailer

About Dream with the Fishes (1997) — A voyeur's chaotic final binge through San Francisco's underbelly

Finn Taylor's offbeat 1997 comedy-drama *Dream with the Fishes* follows Terry, a self-destructive voyeur trapped in a cycle of isolation and morbid curiosity. When he crosses paths with a terminally ill addict, the two embark on a chaotic final binge that pushes both men to confront their deepest fears and desires. Blending surreal humor with raw emotional stakes, the film explores themes of voyeurism, escapism, and the fleeting nature of human connection through a neon-lit, sun-bleached San Francisco backdrop.

Pushing boundaries with its unapologetic tone and eccentric set pieces—including a memorable nude bowling alley sequence—*Dream with the Fishes* is a cult oddity that refuses to play it safe. David Arquette's restless, neurotic Terry anchors the story, while Brad Hunt and Kathryn Erbe deliver standout performances as his unlikely companions in chaos. A darkly comedic meditation on mortality and the absurdity of existence, this 1997 gem lingers like a half-remembered dream.