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Poster for The Dreamlife of Angels

The Dreamlife of Angels

Seen it?

1998 | 113 min | Drama

Sunday Safe Betearly rating

Why it’s a Sunday Safe Bet

Critics loved it (93% on Rotten Tomatoes), though it had almost no lasting buzz. A safe bet when you want something reliable.

Based on critics, audiences, awards, box office and buzz. Details below.

Is it for you?

Who'll love it
Made for anyone who loves a strong drama. Critics rate it higher than audiences do, so it rewards patience more than it chases thrills.
The mood
Thoughtful and character-driven.
The pace
Takes its time with its characters, at 1 hr 53 min.
What might put you off
  • Rated R: meant for adults.
  • It's in French, so expect subtitles (or a dub).
  • Audiences were cooler on it than critics.

Isa and Marie bond while working in a French sweatshop and soon begin sharing an apartment that Marie is watching for a hospitalized mother and daughter. Marie, hoping to avoid a life of struggle and poverty, takes up with Chriss, a nightclub owner whose most attractive asset is his money. Isa recognizes the ultimate futility of the relationship and tries to keep Marie away from him, but her interference puts their friendship at risk.

How it earned its rating

  • CriticsVery strong

    93% on Rotten Tomatoes

  • AudiencesSolid

    6.9 out of 10

  • AwardsBelow par

    2 wins and 3 nominations from smaller awards and festivals

  • Reach & staying powerSolid

    Streaming release that reached a small audience so far; still draws a steady audience long after release

  • Buzz & cultural impactWeak

    About 8K people sought it out in the past year

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Cast & crew

Directed by Erick Zonca

  • Élodie BouchezIsabelle 'Isa' Tostin
  • Natacha RégnierMarie Thomas
  • Grégoire ColinChriss
  • Patrick MercadoCharly
  • Jo PrestiaFredo
  • Francine MassenhaveLa gardienne
  • Zivko NiklevskiLe patron Yougoslave
  • Murielle ColvezLe chef d'atelier
  • Lyazid OuelhadjLe vendeur de billets
  • Frédérique HazardLa mère de Marie