I’d Never Heard of This Gripping Robin Williams Film…

…and it’s one of the best films I’ve ever seen in my life

This morning, I stumbled upon a hidden (to me) gem, featuring beloved actor, Robin Williams in a powerful dramatic role. He is most often remembered and revered for his brilliant comedic talent but man, his serious roles were equally incredible, every single one of them (that I’ve ever seen, anyway).

“What Dreams May Come” is a 1998 film, co-starring Max von Sydow (love him!), Cuba Gooding, Jr. (and him!) and Annabella Sciorra (yep, her, too!). It won one Academy Award (Best Visual Effects — oh, my, they are beyond spectacular!) and was nominated for another.

Apparently, it had mixed reviews and didn’t do too well at the box office (I cannot understand why — but then, I detested Terms of Endearment and it won Best Picture). I suppose that’s why I’d never heard of it but I’m so grateful to have found it today. I’m always happy to find a film that lights me up as I can be quite critical of films and TV shows, especially when there are little things that don’t make sense, or forgotten details that peck away at my brain — like when I was watching a show recently, in which it was 3 a.m. and someone was heating up a baby bottle on the stove (yep, old show, before evil microwaves — nope, I will never use one!). Someone stumbled in, complaining about the screaming baby in another room, got a drink and left.

Another person came into the kitchen and the two ended up sitting at the table chatting about a serious issue and eventually went to bed. Huh? What about the screaming baby? What about the bottle melting in a pot on the stove?

Anyway, “What Dreams May Come” is a beautiful, tragic, deeply moving story about love, loss, devotion, commitment, and faith.

I don’t want to tell you too much about this story, except to say that I couldn’t tear myself away. I noticed several times that instead or sitting back in my recliner with my feet up, as usual when watching telly, I was actually sitting on the edge of the chair, leaning forward, frozen and staring at the screen. I will say that it is a powerful depiction of the afterlife, offering thought-provoking ideas about it that I had never considered or imagined.

Here’s the official trailer — and although it gives you a peek at the film, I can tell you that it keeps the real story — and reasons for watching — a secret. 🤐

I love a great “feel-good” movie and I also love the ones that take me on an emotional roller coaster, like this one did. It was loaded with unexpected plot twists, and there were plenty of tears, especially in the last several minutes.

I don’t know where it might be available for the general public; I saw it on Flixify. But if you can dig it up somewhere, I hope you tune in and enjoy it as much as I did. ** NOTE after publishing —Thank you so much, Amarie Malone 💖 !! She says it can be streamed here: