Former SF Ballet dancer stars with Jessica Chastain in 'Dreams'

Erotic thriller explores power dynamics disguised as erotica

Published on Feb. 24, 2026

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Former San Francisco Ballet principal dancer Isaac Hernandez makes his film debut opposite Jessica Chastain in the new drama 'Dreams.' The movie, directed by Michel Franco, is being marketed as an erotic thriller, but the sex scenes are filmed in a detached, documentary-like style that subverts expectations. Chastain plays a wealthy San Francisco heiress who takes in the undocumented Hernandez character, a gifted ballet dancer, with unclear motives. The film is less about sex and more about exploring themes of power, privilege, and the realities of the U.S. immigration system.

Why it matters

As one of the most visible ballet companies in the U.S., the San Francisco Ballet has long been a source of local pride. Hernandez's casting in 'Dreams' represents a rare opportunity for a former company member to break into film, while Chastain's portrayal of a privileged San Francisco elite touches on the city's ongoing debates around wealth inequality and the challenges facing immigrant communities.

The details

In 'Dreams,' Hernandez plays Fernando, an undocumented Mexican ballet dancer who illegally crosses the border to seek opportunities in the U.S. He ends up staying with Chastain's character, Jennifer, a wealthy San Francisco heiress who runs an arts philanthropy organization. The two had previously met, and Jennifer now seems intent on helping Fernando advance his ballet career. However, the nature of their relationship and Jennifer's true motivations remain ambiguous and laced with power dynamics.

  • Former San Francisco Ballet dancer Isaac Hernandez makes his film debut in 'Dreams,' which premiered at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2026.
  • The movie is scheduled to be released in theaters on February 27, 2026.

The players

Isaac Hernandez

A former principal dancer with the San Francisco Ballet who makes his film debut in 'Dreams.'

Jessica Chastain

An acclaimed American actress who stars as a wealthy San Francisco heiress in 'Dreams.'

Michel Franco

The Mexican writer and director of 'Dreams,' known for his minimalist, psychologically probing films.

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What they’re saying

“Nothing is by accident. 'Dreams' is a good example of why it's never a good idea to assume you're smarter than the director.”

— Mick LaSalle, Film Critic (San Francisco Chronicle)

“The sex banter isn't inspired, nor capable of inspiring. At one point Jessica Chastain, as a wealthy San Francisco heiress, explains to a much younger man the meticulous attention that she soon plans to lavish on his testicles.”

— Mick LaSalle, Film Critic (San Francisco Chronicle)

What’s next

The film is scheduled to have its world premiere at the Sundance Film Festival in January 2026 before its theatrical release on February 27, 2026.

The takeaway

While marketed as an erotic thriller, 'Dreams' subverts expectations by using sex scenes to explore deeper themes of power, privilege, and the challenges facing immigrant communities in San Francisco. The film showcases the acting talents of former San Francisco Ballet dancer Isaac Hernandez and highlights the city's ongoing debates around wealth inequality.