What Dreams May Come

"After life there is more. The end is just the beginning."

Oct 2 1998 PG-13 1h 53m
Drama, Fantasy, Romance

Chris Neilson dies to find himself in a heaven more amazing than he could have ever dreamed of. There is one thing missing: his wife. After he dies, his wife, Annie killed herself and went to hell. Chris decides to risk eternity in hades for the small chance that he will be able to bring her back to heaven.

Plot

During a holiday in Switzerland, a young Chris Nielsen meets Annie Collins in a lake when their boats collide. Sharing a snack a few hours later, Chris and Annie fall in love. Marrying quickly, Chris works as pediatrician and Annie as artist painter and art dealer, and have two children, Ian and Marie. But their happy family life torn apart when Ian and Marie are in a car accident that kills them both and the nanny who was driving. Four years later, Chris and Annie try to restore their life despite the tragedy and celebrate their anniversary. When returning that night, Chris witnesses a car accident, after exiting the car in an attempt to help people, another car crashes into him, fatally hurting him. As he is dying in the hospital, Chris turns into a ghost in an attempt to tell Annie that he still exists and loves her, but his efforts cause more pain, and he decides to leave. Traveling Afterlife, Chris wakes up in Heaven, where he meets Albert Lewis, his former mentor. While Albert helps Chris to adapt to his new existence in Heaven. Annie falls into a deeper depression, tormented by the reminder of her husband and children. Unable to resist the suffering, Annie commits suicide, and Albert returns to Chris to explain him Annie's death. Determined to save Annie, Chris decides to travel to Hell to find her. As the travel advances, Chris' memories of his life with Ian and Annie put the mission in danger, making it harder to connect with Annie. Making a discovery about Albert's true identity, The Tracker splits them. But when they find her, Chris' memories of his life with Annie will make Chris question the success of the travel, having to make a decision that can change everything forever.

Written by

Richard Matheson, Ron Bass

Directed by

Vincent Ward

Production Countries

United States of America

Production Companies

Universal Pictures, PolyGram Filmed Entertainment

Languages

English

Awards

Won 1 Oscar. 7 wins & 2 nominations total

Scores
# of Votes
116,968
Average Rating
7 out of 10
Metascore
44
Popularity
NA