Movie Review by Mpilonhle Makhaye, MAGAZINE DREAMS (Apple TV)

 

Bro hears me out, is it bad that the first thing I thought about was Beyonce’s song “Pretty Hurts” I need to listen to more manly music, anyways this isn’t about me.

There’s no shortage of films about ambition, but Magazine Dreams isn’t here to offer motivation posters or clean victories. It’s a raw, from the first frame it’s an uncomfortable look at the kind of obsession that burns everything in its path, including the person who holds the match. This isn’t your typical rise-grind story. It’s lonelier, angrier and far more fragile.

Killian Maddox (played by Jonathan Majors) in a carer defining performance, Magazine Dreams follows one man’s relentless pursuit of greatness, at a cost that becomes harder to ignore the closer he gets. Magazine Dreams follows an amateur bodybuilder with a single-minded dream, to become a professional and land the cover of a top fitness magazine. He trains obsessively, eats as if he knows a pandemic is on the way and keeps stacks of old bodybuilding mags like scared texts. But Killian isn’t just chasing aesthetics, he’s chasing validation, belonging and some sense of control in a world that rarely sees him.

Outside the gym, things are more fragile. He struggles with social interaction, battles unaddressed mental health issues, teeters on the edge of isolation. As the line between dedication and self-destruction blurs, Killian’s dream starts to feel less like ambition and more like a slow unravelling.

This storyline is flexing more than muscles,

If you’ve ever wondered what happens when a bodybuilder’s obsession with perfection meets a fragile psyche, Magazine Dreams is your answer. Directed by Elijah Bynum. Aibo! Jonathan Majors delivers a performance that’s both haunting and mesmerizing. He transforms into a man consumed by his dream of becoming a world-famous bodybuilder pushing his body to extremes while battling inner demons. His portrayal is reminiscent of iconic characters like Travis Bickle from Taxi Driver, but with a modern twist rooted in the pressures of today’s world.

The film’s cinematography, led by Adam Arkapaw, captures the raw intensity of Killian’s journey. The tight close Ups and expressionist lighting immerse viewers into his troubled mind, making every moment feel personal and intense.

However, Magazine Dreams isn’t just about physical transformation. It’s a deep dive into themes of isolation, identity and the pursuit of validation while the film draws comparison to classic like Joker. It stands on its own by exploring the nuances of black masculinity and societal pressures that shape it.

My favourite filmmaker Jahmil X.T. Qubeka have explored similar themes, delving into the complexities of identity and societal expectations. While Magazine Dreams themes resonates globally, offering a mirror to audiences everywhere.

Magazine Dreams is a film that challenges its viewers. It’s not easy to watch, but it’s undeniably powerful. If you’re in the mood for a film that pushes boundaries and offers a raw look into the human psyche, this one’s for you.

 

10/10