A heartfelt tale of mothers and daughters, The Queen of My Dreams beautifully bridges generations through love, identity, and culture
One of the things I love about working for Big Gold Belt Media is the opportunity to watch movies that I might not have discovered. Recently, I had the chance to watch The Queen of My Dreams, written and directed by Fawzia Mirz, coming out in theaters June 20th. This film tells a deeply moving story about intergenerational trauma between a mother and daughter, explored through a lens that pays homage to the golden era of Indian cinema and their love for Sharmila Tagore movies.
I thoroughly enjoyed watching this movie, and I’m a sucker for period pieces. Especially films that explore different cultures during different eras. We witness Pakistani culture during two distinct eras—the 1960s and the 1990s. The contrast between these periods is striking, showcasing the evolution of the country and its societal norms. It’s rare to see such an authentic representation of Pakistani culture in Western media, making this film a refreshing and necessary addition to contemporary cinema.
The Queen of My Dreams follows Azra (Amrit Kaur), a rebellious, queer aspiring actress living in Canada, and her mother Mariam (Nimra Bucha), a conservative woman shaped by her past. After the death of her father, Azra returns to Pakistan, where she confronts the complexities of her strained relationship with her mother. We also get flashbacks to Mariam’s younger years growing up in Pakistan, and this weaves the narrative of Azra and Mariam together and shows that the two are not so different after all.
One of the movie’s features is that it is beautifully shot and visually stunning. Director of Photography Matt Irwin puts so much detail into every frame, making the film a visual delight. The portrayal of Pakistan is rich with vibrant hues and cultural textures when Azra arrives, evoking a sense of homecoming that is both beautiful and overwhelming. However, as the funeral proceedings unfold and emotions weigh heavily, the colors subtly fade into a muted and subdued palette. However, once we flash back to Mariam’s life in the 60s, the colors and set designs turn up to 100%. These sequences explode with color and charm, reminiscent of the classic Bollywood films of the era. The sets are meticulously designed, and the cinematography captures the retro aesthetic so authentically that it feels as though these scenes were shot with vintage 35mm anamorphic cameras. This portrayal of Mariam’s past not only enhances the film’s visual appeal but also highlights the cultural and emotional shifts between the two time periods.
Though the film is visually stunning, the real standouts are the performances and the story itself. Amrit Kaur delivers an exceptional portrayal of dual roles as both Azra and young Mariam. She brings charm, humor, and emotional depth to each character.
Kaur showcases her acting range in this role, whether it’s Arza dealing with her father’s funeral and her frustration of not being able to participate in the funeral rituals because she’s a woman, yet her brother can partake. Or when we see Kaur’s portrayal as young Mariam, who we see as a strict mother at the beginning of the movie. However, flashbacks reveal Mariam as a free-spirited dreamer who loves dancing, laughing, and embracing life
This movie is also a love story between Mariam and Hassan (Arza’s father), played by Hamza Haq. Their story of how they met is incredibly sweet and leaves you wanting to see more of how their relationship blossomed into marriage. Haq and Kaur share amazing chemistry in their scenes together, making their love story feel genuine and heartfelt. Additionally, Haq’s portrayal of the older Hassan alongside Nimra Bucha’s Mariam is equally compelling, as the two actors portray a married older couple who you can see still truly love each other. This makes it even more heartbreaking to see Bucha’s Mariam grieving throughout the film
The only thing I wished to see was more of Azra’s present-day struggles, particularly her relationship with Mariam as an adult. However, the movie does provide a glimpse of their changing relationship in 1989, with young Azra portrayed by Ayana Manji. These moments offer valuable insight into how their bond evolved living in Canada, and laid the foundation for their more complicated relationship in later years
But this movie is about more than just visuals or isolated relationships. What makes The Queen of My Dreams so relatable is its exploration of three generations of mothers and daughters. It highlights the universal struggle of mothers wanting to hold on to their daughters and doing what they believe is best for them. Fawzia Mirza’s storytelling delicately balances humor while addressing the intergenerational trauma and societal pressures that shape both women.
In conclusion, The Queen of My Dreams is a beautifully crafted film that celebrates cultural, queer identity and explores the relatable struggles of the connection between generations. Fawzia Mirza’s direction, combined with standout performances by Amrit Kaur and Nimra Bucha, ensures that this film leaves a lasting impression. I loved this movie and believe it is a must-see. My rating is five out of five stars, and I wouldn’t be surprised to see this film nominated for some Oscars. If you’re a fan of Bollywood movies, heartfelt narratives, or visually stunning cinema, this is one film you won’t want to miss.
Staff Writer & Media Critic for Big Gold Belt Media: NYC Actress | Twitch Streamer | Artist