Acclaimed Mexican director Michel Franco has firmly staked his claim against the prevailing trend of emotionally easy storytelling, asserting he has “no interest in ‘Comfort Cinema.'” The director, known for his unflinching, often pessimistic examinations of class and morality, believes that a filmmaker’s duty is to pose difficult questions, not to provide reassuring answers. This philosophy explains the intensely brutal and controversial nature of his latest release, Dreams, starring Jessica Chastain.
The term Michel Franco Comfort Cinema refers to films that, in his view, offer structurally predictable narratives, clear moral guidance, and endings that neatly wrap up emotional disturbance. Franco’s work, by contrast, frequently rejects these tropes, forcing audiences to confront characters’ moral ambiguities and societal cruelty without the relief of a cathartic or simple resolution.
His new film, Dreams, which explores the destructive power dynamics between a wealthy American philanthropist and an illegal Mexican immigrant, is a perfect embodiment of this rejection. The film has been described by critics as intentionally “cruel” and “brutally nihilistic,” focusing on the dark consequences of privilege and toxic obsession. Franco has stated that he intends for his films to be “a test” for the viewer, sparking debate rather than consensus.
Franco’s consistent refusal to soften his narratives a commitment evident since his Palme d’Or-winning After Lucia and the violently satirical New Order ensures his place as one of the most provocative voices in international cinema. By deliberately avoiding the safety of Michel Franco Comfort Cinema, he aims to leave a lasting, uncomfortable, and essential impression on viewers.
