REM 2019
"What Consumes Your Mind, Controls Your Dreams"
In the gripping 12-minute Afrikaans sci-fi drama *REM* (2019), director Cara Leane Spence crafts a haunting exploration of grief and obsession.
Director: Cara Leane Spence
Cast
Frequently Asked Questions
What is REM (2019) about?
*REM* follows Dehan, a grieving father who uses a futuristic device to relive his late wife's presence in his dreams. As his obsession grows, his relationship with his surviving son, Erich, unravels, forcing him to choose between fantasy and reality.
Who directed REM?
REM was directed by Cara Leane Spence, who brings a keen eye for emotional depth and speculative themes to this gripping short film.
Who stars in REM?
The film features Darragh Concannon as Dehan, alongside Liam du Toit, Gabrielle Kahts, René Frech, and Isabella Duisberg.
Is REM (2019) worth watching?
While *REM* is unrated on IMDb, its compelling blend of sci-fi and drama, paired with strong performances, makes it a standout short film. Fans of emotional, thought-provoking cinema will appreciate its atmospheric storytelling and poignant themes.
How long is REM?
REM (2019) has a runtime of 12 minutes.
About REM (2019) — A Sci-Fi Short Film on Grief and Memory
In the gripping 12-minute Afrikaans sci-fi drama *REM* (2019), director Cara Leane Spence crafts a haunting exploration of grief and obsession. The story follows Dehan, a father drowning in sorrow after losing his wife Lena in a tragic car accident that also left their son Erich scarred. Haunted by memories, Dehan turns to an experimental machine—the REM—to manipulate his dreams, creating a surreal escape where Lena still lives. But as his fantasies deepen, his connection with Erich fades, forcing him to confront the painful reality he's been avoiding.
This atmospheric short film blends science fiction with raw emotional drama, using sleek visuals and a moody soundtrack to mirror Dehan's descent into a dreamlike void. Spence's direction lingers on themes of loss, memory, and the fine line between healing and self-destruction. With standout performances from Darragh Concannon and Liam du Toit, *REM* is a poignant, thought-provoking watch for fans of intense character studies and speculative storytelling.