Aug 22, 20223 min read

The Sandman: We are made of Dreams

Updated: Feb 11, 2023

Reviews by:

@the_owlseyes

RATE THIS SERIES

"What power would Hell have if those here imprisoned were not able to dream of Heaven?"

Morpheus

PLOT

"Upon escaping after decades of imprisonment by a mortal wizard, Dream, the personification of dreams, sets about to reclaim his lost equipment" or "Morpheus gets back on top

SCRIPT

This is a bit divisive to be honest. My criticism is toward the fact that the series is divided into two storylines which aren't on the same level(the second is the one which lowers the series quality), some plot thread and characters are left hanging just to have some reasons to produce another season(the Immortal Man and Joanna Costantine). One can also critice the series of a lack of action but it's one of the best thing about it. Because it goes against the main staples of the comic book's world.

Morpheus is a well written character and the interactions he has with the other characters are amazing, especially Lucifer.

The point is that there're too many side characters and villains to keep track of all of them and it hurts the experience. I've wished for a more focused plot.

Is still a good script but it wants more than it can manage to tell. All for the sake of world building and season two baiting.

I thought that it was better than that.

Script: 7/10

ACTING

Tom Sturridge is top casting. He's fascinating in his role and brings a lot of gravitas to it. I can say the same about the other actors, even though most of them have a limited role or just a vocal one. I like how Kirby Howell Baptiste represented Death with a tender and sweet approach. Boyd Holbrook is very good as the Corinthians by making him attractive and interesting to watch.

Overall I think that the acting is one of the best thing about this show.

Acting: 8/10

PHOTOGRAPHY

This is what makes worth the watch. It's beautiful and inventive. Everything has a meaning and light is never used in a boring way. There are too many wonderful shots here and it's a pleasure for the eye. In a series about dreams, everything looks and feel like a dream, even the real world.

Photography: 8/10

EDITING

Sometimes slow motion is used in a dumb way, you'll notice it. I think that the editing isn't bad because it has its moments. I'm talking about certain transitions which are handled well. Nonetheless all of this isn't enough to give to this section more than a simple six.

Editing: 6/10

SPECIAL EFFECTS

Decent, sometimes the CGI is a bit bad, but overall is acceptable. Most of the series is made of VFX because the original novel demands it but sometimes it's a bit redundant.

Special Effects: 6/10

SOUNDTRACK

Sincerely I've expected more. I'm not saying that it's bad but it's clearly forgettable and stale. It defines the series tone well but there's nothing beyond that.

Soundtrack: 6/10

COSTUMES

These are extremely faithful to the source material and adapted to a contemporary look(consider that the graphic novel as more than 20 years). I like the different suits worn by Morpheus and the costume of Lucifer. The Corinthian has an interesting set of clothes too, one which adapt to the time. Overall I consider myself satisfied.

Costumes: 7/10

CONCLUSION