In the intense character study “Magazine Dreams,” actor Jonathan Majors gives a performance of his career as a tightly wound and violently temperamental bodybuilder. The film, directed by Elijah Bynum, explores the parallels between the star and his work, raising questions about the fragility of fame and the consequences of obsession.
Majors plays Killian Maddox, a man who dreams of becoming a world-class bodybuilder to be featured on magazine covers. To achieve this goal, Killian undergoes extreme physical training, consumes an excessive diet, and writes letters to his idol, champion bodybuilder Brad Vanderhorn. Majors’ portrayal of Killian is both heartbreaking and unsettling, as he struggles with social skills and erupts into violent outbursts.
The film’s cinematography by Adam Arkapaw and score by Jason Hill contribute to a sense of anxiety and unease, mirroring Killian’s fragile mental state. As Killian unravels, his behavior becomes increasingly erratic, fixating on becoming memorable in life and death.
Despite Majors’ brilliant performance, the film raises concerns about the consequences of Killian’s actions and the impact on his future. The title “Magazine Dreams” serves as a warning, highlighting the dangers of chasing fame at any cost and the devastating effects it can have on one’s mental health.
With its raw portrayal of obsession and the blurred lines between reality and fantasy, “Magazine Dreams” is a thought-provoking exploration of the fragility of human nature. Majors’ performance anchors the film, making it impossible to look away from Killian’s downward spiral into madness.
Source: https://chicago.suntimes.com/movies-and-tv/2025/03/19/magazine-dreams-review-jonathan-majors-movie-bodybuilder