DreamQuil (2026)

DreamQuil is a 2026 American horror and sci-fi thriller directed by Alex Prager, set in a near-future world where air quality has deteriorated significantly and society relies heavily on virtual existence. The film serves as a cautionary allegory about the deep integration of artificial intelligence and automation into daily domestic life.

Starring Elizabeth Banks, the narrative follows a career-driven mother who returns from a "digital detox retreat" to find her home taken over by an AI version of herself named Carol 2. This digital double has seamlessly assumed all responsibilities regarding her husband, children, and household chores, performing them with a perfection that surpasses her own capabilities. The story explores profound anxieties not just about job replacement, but about whether a human presence is truly necessary in one's own family structure.

The cast also features John C. Reilly and Sofia Boutella, adding depth to the ensemble dealing with these technological intrusions. Premiering at the South by Southwest (SXSW) film festival on March 16, 2026, the 89-minute runtime delivers a tight, unsettling look at modern parenting and identity in the age of advanced algorithms.

• The film had its world premiere at the SXSW Festival on March 16, 2026, marking a significant entry in the upcoming slate of high-concept sci-fi thrillers.
• Elizabeth Banks stars as the protagonist, bringing her experience from both action franchises like The Hunger Games and directorial roles to this complex dramatic horror role.
• John C. Reilly co-stars, known for his versatile range in both comedy and drama, playing a key role in the family dynamic disrupted by the AI.
• Sofia Boutella joins the cast, leveraging her background in dance and action films to portray a character involved in the technological aspects of the plot.
• Produced by Brownstone Productions (II), Landay Entertainment, and Big Valley Pictures, the film was shot during the third quarter of 2025.