Magazine Dreams: Jonathan Majors delivers a Transformative Performance in UK Debut
- Caro Sika
- 20 hours ago
- 3 min read
Following its celebrated U.S. release earlier this year, Magazine Dreams now makes its long-awaited UK debut across Vue cinema nationwide, via BUFF Studios, the distribution arm of the British Urban Film Festival (BUFF).
In this acclaimed Sundance drama, Majors delivers a transformative performance as Killian Maddox - a complex, driven bodybuilder navigating ambition, identity, and isolation in modern America.
Exploring Obsession and Identity in "Magazine Dreams": A Preview of Jonathan Majors' Captivating Performance
As the UK eagerly anticipates the theatrical release of Jonathan Majors' outstanding performance in Magazine Dreams on Friday, 5th December, I had the privilege of pre-screening the film.
Magazine Dreams follows Killian Maddox, a determined but troubled bodybuilder struggling with identity, fame, and obsession.
The opening scene is dark, naked and void Jonathan Majors stands alone, immersed in his inner world, setting the film's tone. A man walking through the valley of the "shadow of death", wrestling with self. Throughout the film, conversations are few, estranged and disconnected. Killian's inner thoughts unfold through monologues and a solitary epistolary correspondence, driving the narrative as we delve deeper into the character's complex emotions.
His singular pursuit is relentless and obsessive. He is determined to become a Mr Olympia champion one day and on the cover of a bodybuilding magazine, just like his idol Brad Vanderhorn, played by American bodybuilder and actor, Mike O'Hearn. For Killian, being remembered in this life and beyond, is the ultimate goal, grappling with a traumatic loss of those closest to him who are forgotten. This is echoed many times in Killian's own words such as "you have to do something big and important or nobody will remember you", whether for good or bad..
The Struggle of Killian: Dreams, Trauma, and Isolation
However, becoming Mr Olympia will seemingly remain unattainable and as complicated as his social and emotional life, which feels disconnected, out of place, leading to a total mental breakdown.
His future is uncertain as he battles past trauma that left him an orphan. Raised by his grandfather, a former vietnam veteran in poor health, Killian does his best to care for him, in a silent home where both grapple with unresolved grief.
In the absence of nurturing and deep emotional bond during his upbringing, he is unable to understand his emotions and relate to the outside world, without going overboard. This makes him, at best, misunderstood, and at worst feared and very vulnerable. His attempts to engage with social media result in abusive comments, and a long-sought-after date is cut short when Jessie realises that Killian is mentally unstable.
Assault on Black Masculinity and its consequences
When Killian's pain erupts, white oppressive America is never far, ready to inflict pain and castrate his Black masculinity, as well as his plea to feel, be seen, heard and exist.
The assault on Black masculinity in the Western World is a harsh reality, driving many Black men to mental breakdowns, unable to find an outlet for intense charged emotional experiences such as loss, divorce, relationships breakdown, professional or health decline and the lack of opportunities to self-actualise. In the UK alone, data display a stark contrast between Black and White individuals. In an article published by Manchester Metropolitan University in May this year, titled "Screaming silences...", we learn that "Black males are disproportionately affected by detention rates under the current Mental Health Act. Statistics in England from 2023-2024 show that 242.3 per 100,000 Black people were detained under the Mental Health Act in this year, in comparison to 68.4 per 100,000 of white people."
Magazine Dreams, through its lead character Killian, illustrates how internalised emotional pain frequently transforms into violent and self-inflicted rage.
Yet, in spite of his turmoil and tormenting thoughts, Killian's humanity ultimately saves him from falling off the precipice of maddening hate and murder. In an intense moment shared with his grandfather, Killian finally releases his long-suppressed tears.
Jonathan Majors Shines in a Tale of Resilience and Mental Health Awareness
Jonathan Majors delivers a powerful and captivating performance, expertly navigating a range of difficult and intense emotions. He convincingly portrays a character whose suffering could lead to death, yet finds redemption through love and self-acceptance. This exceptional story reminds us that no matter how bleak and perilous the journey, the flickering candle of hope can still illuminate the deepest darkness.
Black Mental Health, and mental health in general, is a critical issue that demands our attention, and "Magazine Dreams" does a fantastic job in raising awareness. Let's support men like Killian Maddox and ensure that institutions provide adequate resources to alleviate pain and offer holistic and restorative therapy. Watch the trailer below and get your ticket today!
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