Review: ‘Covidream’ an Illusory yet Insightful Look at the Paranoia and Lasting Effects of Covid-19

“Covidream” is a French indie short written by Pierre Glénat and directed by Glénat and Philippe Lebraud. The film is an interesting take for two reasons. First, it appears during much of its run-time to be every bit the dream the title insinuates. A pair of sisters are looking for each other, their dad, and their mother. But the whole thing feels dream-like and as seen through a fog. Secondly, the film effectively highlights many aspects and lingering effects of Covid-19. It shines a light on how the disease has effected humanity and is powerful; the experiences of those in the movie represent the experiences of many in different parts of the world. 

I feel “Covidream” is best understood in the form of symbols, as the film is rife with Covid-related symbolism. It also helps that the project was uploaded to Youtube (you can watch the film for free there) in 2020, when Covid was at its worst. Philippe Lebraud handles the film’s cinematography, which is extremely apt. Desolate park benches, medical masks hanging on park structures, and a recurring image of ‘Maria,’ a family’s missing matriarch, line its run-time. 

The film has but three main actors, the film’s patriarch (played by filmmaker Glénat) and his daughters, Caro (Caroline Lavergne) and Maeva (played by Maeva Rasolofoarison). At the film’s beginning, Caro anxiously tries to track down Maeva; we see she is taking a walk in the park, but to Caro anything could have happened. The same thing then happens when Caro and Maeva look for their father, Enoch. He’s asleep on a park bench and immediately starts to dismiss their Covid fears, stating the best way to fight the disease is exercise. However glib this might sound, I don’t believe the filmmakers are trying to downplay Covid here. Enoch is the voice of holding on to what’s dear. Exercise, chatting with others, seeing his daughters. These are what are important to him…and what many have lost during the global pandemic. 

The dialogue is pleasing, and I liked that Lebraud and Glénat aren’t afraid to make us smile during the proceedings. Glénat in particular is especially quaint in his dialogue. While striking up a conversation with an elderly couple in the park, the film reminds us of the medicine of laughter. Glénat has a natural way about him; it’s a way that transcends the danger of Covid, and even the danger of family. He talks about things returning to normal; and we get the impression its not re-opening his talking about, but the normality of human interaction. 

As a short, I feel that “Covidream” is just the right length at 13 minutes. However, from the conclusion (*mild spoilers*), we see that the film is to be continued, causing a lack of finality. I also feel that the addition of the question of the family’s disappeared mother takes away somewhat from the quaint nature of the production and turns it more into a mystery to solve. Glénat and Lebraud play with a lot of cinematographic swirls of light here; and for the first several minutes you feel Maria’s disappearance is to be the point of the narrative—until you realize it is something much simpler and more poignant: human connection.

Pierre Glénat, Maeva Rasolofoarison, and Caroline Lavergne in “Covidream.” Photo by Philippe Lebraud.

To be fair, the dream sequences took me out of the picture slightly, as I was much more invested in the family dynamic. But, there’s no denying that Glénat and Lebraud are world-building here. We can only hope that the film’s next installment will shed light on the proceedings (*in the film’s EPK, they filmmakers share they initially conceived the movie as a full-length film, and an eventual feature may be in store for us. “Covidream” should whet the appetite for those looking forward to this venture). 

All-in-all, “Covidream” is a solid indie. It immerses viewers in the world of Maeva, Cora, and Enoch, and leaves us wondering what happens next. It is scored with illusory music and scenes, and the actors themselves are all professional and watchable. But, underneath its veneer, the film teaches us a lesson of humanity and togetherness, which is so important in a global crisis like this. And, for those who do not speak French, the filmmakers have English subtitles for ease of viewing. “Covidream” is a definite recommend for those looking to understand the human condition amidst the pandemic. 

You can watch “Covidream” in the window below. You can find out more about “Covidream” on the OFFICIAL WEBSITE or its FACEBOOK page.