We’re all overdue for a Summer excursion, but if you’re still a bit skittish over air travel, then the multiplex has the perfect virtual Summer visit to Wales, from about nearly twenty years ago. Oh, there’s a bonus for you animal fans and sports enthusiasts, since this story, which is inspired by true events, is all about the “sport of kings”, horse racing. So, you know you’ll get to see these beautiful animals up-close in several suspense-filled tourneys. But you’ll be emotionally invested due to the film’s focus on a most unlikely group of thoroughbred backers. They’re the true heart of this tale. We’re rooting for them as much as this new equine cinema superstar, coming around the track, hot on the heels of SEABISCUIT and SECRETARIAT, is Dream Alliance, a “real-life” DREAM HORSE.
It’s the start of the new 21st Century, though the folk in the economically depressed village of Blackwood in South Wales have little to celebrate. Especially Jan Vokes (Toni Collette), who’s struggling to make ends meet. Her hubby, Brian (Owen Teale) has little work as a handyman/farmer so he spends much of his day tending to their ducks (an investment) and mocking agriculture-based reality TV shows. In the pre-dawn hours Jan looks in on her aged ailing parents before heading to job number one as a cashier at the town supermarket. At the end of her shift there, she has a spot of tea with Brian before changing for job number two as a barmaid at the main pub. One night she overhears a new customer, Howard Davies (Damian Lewis) entertaining his mates with stories of his time in horse racing. Jan approaches him later to learn more about the sport. Howard admits that he was part of a group, a “syndicate”, that invested in a racehorse. Even though the pub owner tells her that Davies nearly lost everything, the wheels begin spinning in Jan’s brain. After some research she believes that a syndicate can be organized In Blackwood. Though things are “tight” she thinks a few can spare a ten spot a week to cover expenses. Howard agrees to join her,though he has promised wife Angela (Joanna Page) that he’ll never return to racing. The two organize a meeting in the pub’s pool room, and after a late start, they sign up eight or so citizens. This leads to the purchase of a mare Rewbell, which is bred with champion stallion (for a big stud fee) Bien Bien to produce a beautiful brown colt that the group names Dream Alliance. After a training stint, Dream fianlly begins racing in hurdle competitions. As the tales of Dream circulate, the town is recharged with hope. But will Blackwood’s mascot continue to inspire as he faces a physical trauma that could end his career and life?
The talented Ms. Collette demonstrates her considerable range with her subtle portrayal of a real small-town hero, after dazzling us recently in her offbeat roles in I’M THINKING OF ENDING THINGS and the horrific HEREDITARY (which earned her the coveted Best Actress award from the St. Louis Film Critics Association). Her Jan is a hard worker, nearly invisible to her neighbors, who is just trying to keep (and her hubby’s) head above water. Then Collette shows us a different side, as the dark circles seem to vanish when her eyes reflect Jan’s new purpose. The naysayers will not damper her as her inner spark after it finally starts to glow. That heat even rejuvenates Teale’s Brian, who springs to life like he found that golden ticket in his”Wonkabar”. Lewis, as Davies, finds himself affected by the “plan” becoming a fervent business partner after his initial reluctance. He’s still healing from his past racing failures and is often the voice of reason and reality to the enraptured villagers. He tells them to not invest for financial return, but for the love of the race. That zeal arises in him, though he tries to hide it from his wife, who has a clearer memory of his last syndicate (it seems to be the only thing chaining him to his soul-crushing loan officer job). The rest of the “syndicate’ is composed of some wonderful character actors, though the scene-stealer might be Karl Johnson as barfly Kerby, an “old sod” that loves his drink (smuggling cans into the swanky racetrack owners’ longue) more than being clothed (after a hurdles victory, the pants seem to vanish).
Director Euros Lyn has lovingly crafted a modern-day rags-to-riches fable from the witty, expertly constructed screenplay by Neil McKay. Much as with the iconic WIZARD OF OZ, life’s color looks drained away in the dreary Welch town (especially true in the fluorescent tube-lit supermarket where Jan spends her days) until the colt’s birth which bathes every scene in a warm, rustic glow (thanks to the inspired cinematography work of Erik Wilson). The story also benefits from its gentle tweaking of the class system as the “upper crust” must suddenly deal with the “working class” who have somehow invaded their expertly manicured turf. But everything’s not “hearts and flowers’ as Jan and her partners have to make a tough “call” when things go staggeringly bad at one competition. Ah, but that’s why the victories taste so sweet. And sweet’s the operative word for this little gem. After the tragedies and frustrations of the last year, this might be another terrific “shot in the arm”. Well, the heart really. I’ve no choice but to reuse the old cliche, “the feel-good hit of the year” since the ending still has me smiling after 24 hours (I implore you to stay for the truly joyful end credits). DREAM HORSE is one sweet dream of a movie. And there’s no need for a “photo finish”.
3.5 Out of 4
DREAM HORSE opens in select theatres on Friday, May 21, 2021
