In Your Dreams (2025)

In Your Dreams

• You can add this to the list of animated films I did not expect to like but definitely enjoyed. I hadn’t even heard of it until I saw it on Variety’s Oscar noms predictions (I think), so I figured I’d go ahead and watch it. Lo and behold, it’s actually pretty fun, though very predictable. It reminded me a lot of ‘Inside Out’ in terms of fantasy mixed with real life. It definitely isn’t as big of an animated cinematic achievement as ‘Inside Out’, but it does use similar elements. So much of this was very whimsical (well, really the whole thing is), but also has some deep family moments. I hate that I’m a sucker for dysfunctional family drama. The sibling relationship between Stevie and Elliot was hilarious and dangerously realistic. Between their dynamic, the family butting heads, and good ol’ Mr. Sandman, it’s quite entertaining to keep up with. The story follows a very basic story of navigating dreams, but it’s super easy to connect with, considering everyone has dreams and most of the time they make absolutely no sense. Conceptually, it’s pretty strong. Just the idea of running through your dreams (or in this case, flying and using jet packs) trying to achieve the most perfect scenario while everything is falling apart in your life…..too relatable. The animation was great all around, though very, very slightly uncanny in a few instances (but nothing jarring). If Netflix made a Pixar film, this is it. The voice cast was great, and the main four (plus Baloney Tony) all stood out. Simu Liu supremacy, that’s all I have to say. That’s really about all I have to say. Overall, it’s got good characters, a nice score, colorful visuals, and it’s just a fun family film….that’s all about the dysfunction of a family. I would recommend it to all animation fans. This film is officially Berry Approved, so go check it out now!