New Animated Film “In Your Dreams” Ditches Fairy Tales for Real Family Struggles

A new animated movie is challenging how families are shown to children. “In Your Dreams” focuses on a brother and sister trying to save their parents’ marriage. The film opens in theaters this Friday and features a star-studded voice cast.

Director Alex Woo, a former Pixar artist, brings his experience to this Netflix project. The story centers on a realistic portrayal of family conflict, moving away from traditional perfect family imagery.

Simu Liu Champions Authentic Family Portrayal

Actor Simu Liu was drawn to the project for its honest approach. He stated that common depictions of always-happy families are not truthful. Liu believes it is vital for children to see families that are not perfect.

The film was animated by Sony Pictures Imageworks. Director Woo previously contributed to major Pixar hits like “Ratatouille” and “WALL·E”. His background brings a level of expertise to this new adventure-comedy.

A Journey Without a Magic Fix

The plot follows sister Stevie and brother Elliot. They embark on a quest to find The Sandman, hoping he can magically repair their parents’ relationship. Their journey forms the emotional core of the film.

Stevie, voiced by Jolie Hoang-Rappaport, learns a difficult lesson. She discovers that some problems cannot be solved with magic alone. Her character arc shows that fixing real-life issues requires more than just a dream.

The voice cast includes Emmy winner Cristin Milioti and Craig Robinson. Milioti highlighted a duet with Liu as a key moment in the film. The song portrays a strained couple finding a moment of harmony.

The film’s message is clear. Real families argue, and resolving conflict takes work. Life often unfolds differently than planned, a truth the filmmakers hope will resonate with audiences.

“In Your Dreams” offers a fresh perspective on animated storytelling. This new animated film provides a relatable narrative for modern families. Its focus on genuine conflict marks a significant shift in the genre.

Thought you’d like to know

What is the main theme of “In Your Dreams”?

The film explores realistic family conflict and the idea that families are not always perfect. It moves away from the fairy tale notion of problem-free relationships. The story focuses on children learning to cope with parental strife.

Who are the main voice actors in the film?

Simu Liu and Cristin Milioti voice the parents, while Jolie Hoang-Rappaport and Elias Janssen play the children. Craig Robinson also joins the cast as the stuffed animal Baloney Tony. The cast brings a mix of comedy and dramatic experience.

When is the movie being released?

“In Your Dreams” is scheduled to open in theaters on a Friday. The release follows its production by Sony Pictures Imageworks for Netflix. Check local listings for exact showtimes.

What is director Alex Woo’s background?

Alex Woo began his career as a storyboard artist at Pixar. He worked on acclaimed films including “Ratatouille” and “WALL·E”. His experience informs the visual and narrative style of this new project.

Why is this film considered different?

It intentionally avoids depicting a perfectly happy family. The filmmakers aim to show children a more authentic representation of home life. This approach provides a relatable story for many viewers.