In Your Dreams Review: “In Your Dreams” is Netflix Animation’s latest attempt to blend heartfelt storytelling with imaginative, free-flowing dream-world creativity. Directed by Alex Woo with co-direction from Erik Benson, the film brings an emotional family story wrapped inside a colourful animated adventure. While designed primarily for kids and families, the film carries enough emotional depth to spark conversations about change, fear, and the complexities of growing up.
A Warm, Relatable Setup
At the centre of the movie are siblings Stevie, a thoughtful and slightly anxious 12-year-old, and Elliot, her curious 8-year-old brother. Their family seems stable on the outside, but Stevie senses that things are shifting—her dad’s music career is wobbling, and her mom is considering a job that might uproot their routine. The fear of losing the family life they’ve always known quietly pushes the children into action.
Their journey takes an unexpected turn when they find a portal into the world of dreams—a place that looks nothing like home, filled with talking toys, surreal creatures, and unpredictable landscapes.
An Adventure Across Dreamscapes
The siblings set out to meet the legendary Sandman, a mysterious figure believed to grant a wish that could “fix” their real-world problems. Along the way they’re joined by Baloney Tony, Stevie’s stuffed giraffe brought to life with exaggerated personality and comedic timing. He quickly becomes one of the film’s most memorable characters.
The dream world is bursting with creativity. Floating islands, living furniture, giant food monsters, and rooms that shift shape reflect the imagination—and anxieties—of children. These sequences are full of energy, humour, and visual surprises, making the dream adventure the most entertaining part of the film.
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Direction & Storytelling
Alex Woo’s background in storyboarding clearly shows. Scenes are tightly structured, emotions land neatly, and the transitions between the real world and fantasy feel smooth. The storytelling strikes a balance between humour and vulnerability. The plot is straightforward, which works well for younger audiences but sometimes feels a bit safe for adults.
The emotional thread—children trying to hold their family together—is sincere without becoming too heavy. The movie tackles real themes but keeps the tone light enough for kids to follow comfortably.
Voice Acting That Adds Life
The voice cast brings warmth and believability to the characters:
- Jolie Hoang-Rappaport delivers a grounded performance as Stevie, capturing both her maturity and her hidden insecurities.
- Elias Janssen adds charm and innocence as Elliot, often stealing scenes with his expressions and excitement.
- Simu Liu and Cristin Milioti, as the parents, bring authenticity to the tensions and love within the household.
- Omid Djalili as the Sandman adds a playful and slightly mysterious touch.
Overall, the performances elevate the script and make the characters feel emotionally accessible.
Animation & Visual Appeal
One of the film’s strongest assets is its visual design. The animators make full use of the freedom offered by dream settings. Colours shift from soft and comforting to loud and chaotic depending on each scene’s mood. Character designs are imaginative, and the movement within dream sequences feels fluid and lively.
While the world-building is strong, there are moments where it feels like the film could have gone even further. Some ideas are introduced but not fully explored, making parts of the dream world feel slightly rushed.
Music & Sound
The score enhances the movie’s emotional beats and adds energy to the action-heavy dream sequences. Its blend of soft melodies and playful rhythms works well for a family-friendly film. Sound effects are crisp and help distinguish the different dream layers—from gentle whispers to chaotic, surreal noises.
Themes That Resonate
“In Your Dreams” carries familiar yet meaningful themes:
- Handling change within a family
- Facing fears rather than escaping them
- Learning that you can’t solve real problems through shortcuts
- Understanding that families evolve, and that’s okay
These themes are delivered gently, in a way that children can understand while adults can appreciate the underlying message.
Where the Film Shines
- Vibrant, imaginative dream worlds
- Strong sibling chemistry
- Relatable emotional core
- Fun side characters, especially Baloney Tony
- Consistent pacing and easy-to-follow storytelling
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Where It Feels Safe
- Predictable storyline for adults
- Some dream concepts feel underdeveloped
- Emotional depth doesn’t reach the heights of top-tier animated classics
- The world-building could have gone bigger and bolder
Official Trailer
Conclusion
“In Your Dreams” may not rewrite the rules of animated storytelling, but it succeeds beautifully as a heartfelt family adventure. Its colourful visuals, charming characters, and sincere messages make it perfect for a family movie night. The emotional journey is simple but effective, and the dream-world adventure keeps the younger audience thoroughly entertained.
If you’re looking for a warm, imaginative film with genuine family themes, this one is worth a watch.
Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5)
A visually rich, emotionally gentle adventure with plenty of charm.
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