Jonathan Majors delivers a tour-de-force performance in Magazine Dreams, a harrowing and deeply affecting character study that cements his status as one of the most compelling actors of his generation. Directed by Elijah Bynum, this dark drama delves into the psyche of Killian Maddox, an amateur bodybuilder whose obsessive pursuit of physical perfection masks a profound loneliness and a desperate need for human connection. Released in 2025 after a tumultuous journey to the screen, Magazine Dreams is a film that demands to be seen, not only for its unflinching exploration of ambition and isolation but also for Majors’ raw, transformative portrayal of a man teetering on the edge.
From the opening scene, it’s clear that Magazine Dreams is not a conventional sports drama. Killian Maddox is not the triumphant underdog we’re accustomed to rooting for; instead, he’s a complex, deeply troubled figure whose single-minded devotion to bodybuilding is both his salvation and his undoing. Majors, who underwent a staggering physical transformation for the role—packing on muscle through months of rigorous training and a 6,000-calorie-a-day diet—embodies Killian with a haunting intensity. His hulking frame is a marvel to behold, but it’s the vulnerability beneath the muscle that makes his performance unforgettable. Majors conveys Killian’s inner turmoil—his rage, his insecurity, his aching desire to be seen and remembered—with a rawness that is nothing short of mesmerizing. He disappears into the character so completely that it’s impossible to imagine anyone else in the role.
Bynum’s direction is equally impressive. With only his second feature film, he demonstrates a remarkable command of tone and atmosphere, crafting a world that feels both hyper-real and nightmarish. The film’s stylized visuals, courtesy of cinematographer Adam Arkapaw, oscillate between stark naturalism and dreamlike sequences that mirror Killian’s fractured mental state. The pacing is deliberate, allowing tension to build gradually as Killian’s grip on reality slips. Bynum doesn’t shy away from the uncomfortable or the brutal; he leans into the darkness, trusting his audience to grapple with the film’s more disturbing elements. The result is a movie that feels like a descent into madness, with Majors as our guide through the inferno.
At its core, Magazine Dreams is a meditation on the cost of ambition and the toll isolation can take on the human spirit. Killian’s relentless drive to achieve greatness—defined in his mind by magazine covers and bodybuilding glory—stems from a deep-seated need for validation. He is a man who has been overlooked and underestimated his entire life, and his obsession with physical perfection is his way of screaming into the void, demanding to be noticed. The film explores themes of toxic masculinity, mental illness, and societal pressures that shape our understanding of success. It’s a story that resonates on multiple levels, particularly in an age where the pursuit of fame often comes at the expense of personal well-being.
The supporting cast, though limited in screen time, adds significant depth to the narrative. Haley Bennett shines as Jessie, a co-worker who briefly offers Killian a glimpse of human connection. Her performance is subtle yet powerful, and the chemistry between her and Majors is palpable. Taylour Paige also leaves a lasting impression as a sex worker who becomes an unlikely confidante. These characters, though fleeting in Killian’s life, serve as reminders of the humanity he craves but cannot fully grasp.
The film’s technical elements are equally deserving of praise. Jason Hill’s score, blending classical compositions with eerie, discordant strings, heightens the sense of dread that permeates the story. The sound design is masterful, with every grunt, every clang of weights, and every labored breath underscoring Killian’s physical and emotional strain. The editing, courtesy of Jon Otazua, is precise, allowing the film’s more intense moments to linger just long enough to leave a lasting impact. The cinematography’s dark, stylized look perfectly complements the tone, immersing viewers in Killian’s world.
If Magazine Dreams has a flaw, it’s that it occasionally veers into familiar territory, echoing films like Taxi Driver or Joker in its portrayal of a loner spiraling toward violence. Yet, even in these moments, Majors’ performance elevates the material, grounding Killian’s descent in a raw, emotional truth that feels uniquely his own. The runtime, at just over two hours, may test some viewers’ patience, but the slow burn is essential to understanding the full scope of Killian’s unraveling.
In the end, Magazine Dreams is a film that stays with you long after the credits roll. It’s a brutal, unflinching look at the human condition, anchored by a performance that is as heartbreaking as it is terrifying. Jonathan Majors has always been a force to be reckoned with, but here, he transcends the role, delivering a portrayal that is nothing short of revelatory. For all its darkness, Magazine Dreams is a testament to the power of cinema to explore the depths of the human soul—and to the undeniable talent of its star. This is a movie that deserves to be seen, discussed, and remembered.
