Jonathan Majors’ career trajectory will be studied for years to come. Think about it: this guy was on top of the world for four years, destined to become one of the next great actors of his generation, and was about to become the next big baddie for the MCU. He had it all, but it all crumbled when he was arrested two years ago. Before that happened, Majors had a film that was the talk of the town at the 2023 Sundance Film Festival. Magazine Dreams presents an unflinching character study of a man obsessed with achieving greatness in the world of bodybuilding.

Magazine Dreams follows Killian Maddox (Majors), an aspiring bodybuilder consumed by his dream of gracing the covers of fitness magazines. The film paints a grim picture of his life: he is socially isolated, struggling with deep-seated anger issues, and unable to form meaningful relationships. His routine consists of grueling workouts, injections of performance-enhancing drugs, and interactions that often veer toward the unsettling. Killian’s obsessive drive for recognition and success is captivating and tragic, as he spirals into darker psychological territory with each passing scene. The film delves deeply into themes of loneliness, societal neglect, and the destructive nature of unchecked ambition. Killian’s yearning for external validation reflects the modern struggle for fame and recognition, particularly in an era of social media and physical perfection dominating the cultural landscape.

There’s also a poignant exploration of masculinity—particularly the toxic extremes it can reach when tied to identity and self-worth. Magazine Dreams forces the audience to sit with uncomfortable truths about alienation and the cost of single-minded determination. Still, it does so in a way that occasionally feels heavy-handed. However people want to view his performance, Majors’ portrayal of Killian Maddox is extraordinary. He fully commits to the role's physicality, transforming his body into a living embodiment of the character’s obsession.

More importantly, he conveys Killian’s inner turmoil with a raw, unsettling intensity. His eyes flicker between desperation and fury, and his every movement—lifting weights or struggling through a painful social interaction—feels imbued with a sense of barely contained rage and sorrow. Majors’ performance exposes the fragile humanity beneath Killian’s imposing exterior. He allows the audience to see both the tragedy and the danger in his character, creating a protagonist who is as sympathetic as he is unnerving. This role demands attention, and Majors delivers one of his career's most physically and emotionally immersive performances.

Director Elijah Bynum crafts a visually striking film that mirrors Killian’s mental state. The cinematography is frequently stark and intimate, lingering on Majors’ sculpted physique in ways that highlight its power and grotesqueness. The close-up shots of his body emphasize the cost of his obsession—his veins bulging, his skin glistening with sweat, and his muscles strained to their limits. This choice was reminiscent of 2022’s The Whale, where anytime the camera shows someone eating food, it’s uncomfortable. It’s unsettling, reinforcing the idea that his dream may consume him entirely. There’s little room to breathe, and the relentless bleakness can feel exhausting rather than enlightening. Bynum’s direction ensures that the audience feels Killian’s isolation and suffering, but the film’s lack of tonal variation makes it a tough watch.

One of Magazine Dreams’ biggest weaknesses is its pacing. The film brings forth a moment in Killian’s bodybuilding career that was built to be its climax, less than an hour into its runtime. From there, the narrative meanders, losing momentum in ways that detract from its emotional impact. Additionally, the script struggles to maintain focus. Some subplots—such as Killian’s interactions with Jessie, a potential romantic interest—feel rushed and left for dead, while others simply fizzle out without resolution. It’s a film that demands patience and a willingness to sit with discomfort, but it doesn’t always reward that patience with a satisfying or cohesive narrative.