DREAM BIG | Omeleto

A woman controls the world with a train set.

Hardworking and intelligent, Miranda has dedicated herself to her job, but she has been recently passed over for a promotion at work. Upset and frustrated, she takes refuge in her hobby, her model railway, which she sets up to imagine a catastrophe befalling the man who took her desired post. At work the next day, she is shocked to discover her competitor is in the hospital after an accident on the railway tracks, and Miranda is awarded her dream job in his stead.

Miranda discovers that her model railway has the power to mold and manipulate her world, which she often uses for good. She also uses it to pursue an office romance and create the life of her dreams. But reality still isn't perfect, and Miranda soon discovers that the foundation of her dream life may be more tenuous than she thinks.

Directed and written by Pip Swallow, this charming magical-realist short comedy has an imaginative premise, brought to life with a whimsicality that would not be out of place in the Wes Anderson cinematic universe. With light-as-a-feather storytelling, a brightly stylish musical score, effervescent pacing and a uniquely British sensibility, it often has many delightful flights of fancy, exploring the terrain of Miranda's imagination and desires and bringing them to life with wry humor.

But underneath the stylistic and narrative playfulness, the story's wellspring comes from pain and anger, as Miranda finds herself overlooked and excluded, despite her hard work and competency. Seen in this light, Miranda's newfound ability to control the world around her to get what she wants is a miracle. Being a positive person, she uses it to do good in her world, and she uses it to pursue her goals and dreams, which have often felt out of reach for her. Actor Rhoda Ofori-Attah deftly captures Miranda's many textures as a character, from the wary heartache, anger and exhaustion when she loses her promotion to her delight when she begins to achieve her goals. Through it all, she keeps the emotions real without derailing the tone of the film.

In taking Miranda's emotional journey seriously, DREAM BIG gains a resonance that grounds the film's flourishes of charm with sharper wit and occasional bite. We enjoy Miranda's blooming confidence and happiness as she gains the life she's always wanted. But it's still not quite a perfect life, and Miranda begins to use her powers in more controlling ways, which backfire on her, coming close to disaster. Miranda has been using the railway to better fit into and master the existing models around her. But to truly want more for herself, she decides to remake the model for herself -- and truly go after her dreams.

[noelwass]

What a story! I was not expecting such a powerful short film and was hooked. It was scary once the coincidences became too much between what Miranda did and her control of things. Things happened to the people around her. It was completely impossible, but the cause and effect were undeniable.

[rosemarywilliams]

That was adorable and disturbing all wrapped in one❤🤗🤗

[chaeryeong]

i love the actress who plays miranda is gorgeous

[tacrewgirl]

That's was an interesting film. Definitely not predictable.

[carmensaify]

I love this, and I love the positive messaging "dream BIG"!

[StrongnBeautiful]

😂🤣 That was funny! Very well done 👌🏽 I'd watch a full length movie of this 🤎

[TheCatsWhiskers]

Fabulous film! The cast, especially the lead, were awesome. Nice to see Clive Anderson again!

[outsidetheboxwithlala]

Great movie I wish there were more. This was very interesting, great acting.

[ElComentarioIrreverente]

I always knew that every single woman in the world, have a toy train at home that manipulates the future😉

[Deuselle]

I really enjoyed this mini film, now I can’t wait to see more!

[FritzLewisFilms]

Such a clever and charming concept. The blend of magical realism and workplace frustration was executed brilliantly. Miranda’s journey felt so relatable, and the whimsical storytelling made it even more engaging. The cinematography, performances, and score all worked together to create something truly special. Loved how the film balanced humor with deeper themes about ambition, control, and personal growth. Excited to see what Pip Swallow creates next.

[HookBeak_]

Clive Anderson Talks Back.// This drama was cheeky & cheerful, with clever special effects.

[francis]

Wow! I really enjoyed this short. I think the main actor did an amazing job. Enjoyed her acting and storyline. I would like to see her in more roles. Also, I am going to ask Santa for a toy train for Xmas. Lol 😂

[spiderdance]

Was I the only one who felt like something bad was waiting to happen?

[steveb]

The best short I’ve seen on here for a while!

[davidashwood]

Great to see DB out on open access. As one of the 'train wranglers' with the Market Deeping club building many of the models and the layout, i have to say we had a great time filming it. The all female production and camera crew were superb professionals. Sequel anyone?

[ImaLayD]

I now have a new Dream for my life. Let me freshen up on my painting skills 😆 😅

[mogourmetzulu]

Fuckan love this make it a feature length!! keep the ACTRESS bc thats why I watched

[bigmicko]

Great story, well acted and beautifully made 🎉

[TeriHargraveartist]

The legend Clive Anderson! Also, very cheeky and enjoyable short!!