Robot Dreams is a wordless movie based on a wordless book. Yes, that’s two dialogue-free movies I’m reviewing for you (watch Flow!). Both are incredible. Both are wildly different.
You know that show or movie you saw on Adult Swim late at night while “substanced” back in the 2000s that you loved but can’t quite remember or find again? Robot Dreams feels like one of those long-lost gems.
The story is about a lonely dog who orders a robot to be his friend. They enjoy a tail-waggingly great few weeks together. Then, Robot is lost. The two struggle to reunite, despite hopeful and sometimes fearful dreams.
The film is about loss, loneliness, and moving on. It’s mostly heartwarming but a little heartbreaking.
The playful score will have your tail wagging. The joyful soundtrack will have your toe tapping. Give your speakers a little workout — there’s no dialogue to ruin the vibe.
The art direction feels so familiar — like characters jumped from the cover of a Trapper Keeper featuring anthropomorphic animals. Maybe because the flat colors feel ripped from the Sunday funnies you read as a kid. The 2D animation doesn’t feel flat; characters have fluidity and freedom of movement, while the backgrounds are cityscapes filled with unique characters. It’s a busy world with a lot to take in.
Robot Dreams is twee to the Nth degree. But the cuteness doesn’t feel overwhelming. There are times you feel like the film is about to get a little too adult for the kiddos — but it never crosses that line. Are all of these people friends? Are they more? It’s not clear.
Pour yourself a citrus- or fruit-forward hazy IPA or two and immerse yourself in a world that feels familiar, though you don’t remember where you’ve seen it before. Just remember, you aren’t lonely. Not with your hazy I…I mean, little kiddo next to you.
🎬🎬🎬
Where to watch
Rating: PG-13 because of a middle finger moment (Me: 7+)
Director: Pablo Berger
Starring: Wistfulness and earworms
Run time: 1h 42m
Post-credits scenes: Nope
Sequel? None in the works but comes from a four-book series
If you liked Robot Dreams, check out these films:
- Wall-E (2008) (5+)
- The Mitchells vs. the Machines (2021) (6+)
- It’s Such a Beautiful Day (2012) (10+)
- The Triplets of Belleville (2003) (10+)
- Steven Universe: The Movie (2019) (6+)
See more Pint-Sized Reviews
Find this title on the Family Film Recommendations list
