In Your Dreams is a beautifully animated film that tells a heartwarming story about a young girl who simply wants to keep her family together.
I went into In Your Dreams expecting a cute, family-friendly film, and walked out so affected that I could not even speak about it without crying. This movie hit me right in the feels, as I related to it on many different levels. As a child of divorce, I saw a lot of myself in Stevie. As a mom, I saw my daughters and their relationship in Stevie and Elliot. As a sister, I saw myself and my sister in Stevie and Elliot as well.
In Your Dreams is completely unafraid to tackle heavy topics, but it does so in a way that is beautiful and relatable, without talking down to children – something I deeply respect. This movie is funny, smart, and often feels like a big, warm hug when you least expect it.
No Family Is Perfect, Making In Your Dreams Relatable On Many Levels
In Your Dreams tells the story of Stevie, a twelve-year-old girl who can sense that something is off with her parents. As much as they try to hide it from her and her younger brother, Elliot, they are struggling. This is very much the way the real world works, so it comes as no surprise that director and co-writer Alex Woo took from his own experiences. I recall knowing my parents were going to get divorced far before they ever told me and my sister.
One of the things I really appreciate about this film is that they never use the word divorce. They showcase parents trying to make it work, but still fighting about things, and the words “stay together” and “separate” are often used, but never divorce. This is a great way for young children to understand what is happening without words that can be triggering. This story does not talk down to children, which is how all films should be if you ask me.
As Stevie and Elliot look for the Sandman in their dreams, certain that he will grant them a wish, we get to see their relationship as siblings. While it can be volatile at times, as most sibling relationships are, it is clear that they care about each other, even through the bickering. This is something I related to as both a sister and a mom of two kids. Another smartly written and brilliant aspect of In Your Dreams.
In Your Dreams Features A Beautiful & Whimsical Dream World
While In Your Dreams focuses on important and serious topics, it is sure to offer up quite a bit of humor and fun as well. The dream world is whimsical and a bit off the wall. We have all had crazy dreams, so it is another relatable aspect of the film. I truly wish I had dreamt about a breakfast world like Stevie because how incredible would it be to visit there?
The entire movie is gorgeous to watch with beautiful animation, but this world in particular is one of my favorites. If you spend time looking at everything in the background, there is a lot happening. These residents of Breakfast Town are quirky and silly, something a child would absolutely dream up.
Elliot’s long-lost stuffed animal, Baloney Tony, quickly becomes a standout character. Voiced by the always hilarious Craig Robinson, he might not be in the film a lot, but when he is, he is sure to leave a lasting impression. He offers up much-needed comedic relief when things get dark (especially during some of the nightmare scenes), and as it turns out, he is at the heart of it all.
In Your Dreams takes viewers on a thrilling adventure through both dream and nightmare landscapes. It is filled with themes about love, family, and persevering through challenges. It may not be a holiday movie on paper, but it is the perfect film to cuddle up on the couch for and watch with your loved ones this holiday season.
In Your Dreams starts streaming on Netflix on November 14th.
NEXT: Alex Woo On ‘In Your Dreams’: “No Matter What Happens, You’re Always Gonna Be A Family.”
About In Your Dreams
Stevie and her little brother Elliot journey into the wildly absurd landscape of their own dreams to ask the Sandman to grant them the perfect family.
