Alex Prager Releases Feature-Length Film DreamQuil
The film explores artificial intelligence through the story of a woman and her robotic replacement.
Updated on Oct. 27, 2026 in Science Fiction
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Director Alex Prager has brought her feature-length film DreamQuil to theaters following a festival premiere. The movie stars Elizabeth Banks as a woman who encounters a domestic clone after attending a virtual retreat.
Why it matters
The project uses the classic archetype of the programmed housewife to facilitate a broader cultural discussion regarding the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence. It marks a significant milestone in the filmmaker's career as her first foray into feature-length storytelling.
Alex Prager, 46, brings 16 years of experience to this feature-length project after creating 11 previous short films. The production is supported by 63-year-old producer Vincent Landay.
The players
Alex Prager
The 46-year-old artist and director is known for her cinematic work and has transitioned from short film projects to feature-length narratives.
Elizabeth Banks
An actress who takes on the primary roles of Carol Gibson and Carol Two in this science fiction feature.
John C. Reilly
A well-known actor who portrays the character Gary in the new film.
Kathryn Newton
The actress plays the role of the company CEO within the film.
Vincent Landay
The 63-year-old producer is a veteran of the industry who supported the development of this feature.
The details
The narrative follows a protagonist who attends a virtual retreat for an attitude adjustment, only to return home and find a robotic clone performing her domestic tasks. Elizabeth Banks stars in the dual role of Carol Gibson and Carol Two, while John C. Reilly appears as Gary and Kathryn Newton portrays the company CEO.
Timeline
Prager was approached by a producer regarding filmmaking in 2008.
The short film Despair debuted at MoMA in 2010.
DreamQuil premiered at the SXSW Film & TV Festival in March 2026.
DreamQuil arrived in theaters in October 2026.
Industry Dynamics
The film followed the standard industry trajectory by securing a premiere at the SXSW Film & TV Festival before achieving a wider theatrical release. This move highlights the continued reliance of independent filmmakers on established festival circuits to build momentum before public distribution.
Audiences can currently view the film at local theaters following its late October release. Potential viewers should check their local listings for showtime availability.
The takeaway
Prager's transition from short films to a feature-length format reflects a common evolutionary path for visual artists in the modern entertainment landscape. Viewers interested in the intersection of technology and domestic life may find this film a compelling examination of current societal anxieties.
Further reading
Explore more cinematic developments in our Science Fiction section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by The New York Times.
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