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Instant Dreams is a 2017 documentary film that explores the cultural impact and poignant history of Polaroid instant film. The film takes its audience on a journey through the history of the polaroid and its unique ability to capture a sense of time and reality that no other form of photography can match. With insights from various film experts and camera enthusiasts, the movie is a fascinating look into the Polaroid phenomenon, seen through the eyes of those who loved and used this remarkable product.

The film begins by setting the stage for the Polaroid era by touching on the history of instant photography, which was first developed by the company's founder, Edwin Land. Instant Dreams shows how Land began his journey to make the impossible possible, ushering in an era of instant gratification and creativity that would change photography forever. Land's vision for a camera that could deliver photographic prints on demand was groundbreaking, and his creation of the instant camera was a game-changer in the world of photography.

Instant Dreams recounts the story of how Polaroid evolved throughout the years, eventually giving rise to the instant film that would become a cultural phenomenon. The film goes on to explore the lives of three people whose passion for Polaroid has remained steadfast even after the company's production ceased. Each of these individuals has their own story, and their experiences illustrate just how vital Polaroid has been to the creative and emotional lives of many people over the years.

The first of these individuals is Stefanie Schneider, a German-born photographer based in Los Angeles. Schneider's love for Polaroid began at a young age when she was gifted a camera by her father, and her work has since been mostly based around instant photography. Her photographs are ethereal, mesmerizing and transport you to another place and time where there's a sense of mystery and intrigue. She has never tired of exploring the possibilities of instant photography and feels that there is something special about the pictures that it produces. Hearing her story and seeing her creative process is just fascinating.

Secondly, Instant Dreams introduces Stephen Herchen, a former Polaroid scientist who worked on the development of the instant films that made Polaroid so famous. Herchen had a close relationship with Edwin Land, and his insights into the process of creating instant film provide a behind-the-scenes look into the technology that made Polaroid such a success. His interviews and illustrations of the scientific process give the audience a true sense of the passion and dedication that has gone into creating this masterpiece of technology.

Lastly, the documentary features writer and editor Chris Bonanos, who wrote a book about Polaroid’s founder and its impact on photography. Bonanos' book, Instant: The Polaroid Story, is a definitive history of Polaroids evolution; he provides insight into the emotional and cultural significance of the instant film. His knowledge and adoration for instant photography shine through interviews with both him and other Polaroid enthusiasts, giving a sense of just how important this technology has been not only to the history of photography but also to society as a whole.

James M. Sedgwick’s direction makes the film visually stunning, blending archival footage with interviews and breathtaking shots of landscapes and cities. The sleek visuals give the audience a sense of what it might have felt like to use Polaroid products back when they were still being manufactured. It's a testament to Sedgwick’s skill and appreciation of the subject matter that he has managed to create a captivating and emotional film about a technology that has been obsolete for years.

In conclusion, Instant Dreams is a fascinating and emotional exploration of Polaroid's history, the passion that it has inspired, and the people who still hold it dear. The film is an ode to the power of human innovation, as well as the importance of preserving memories and the technology that creates them. It will leave you with a sense of kinship with those whose lives have been touched by Polaroid's brilliance, and will inspire you to take a closer look at the world around us.

Instant Dreams is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 31 minutes. It has received mostly poor reviews from critics and viewers, who have given it an IMDb score of 6.5 and a MetaScore of 46.