The new animated adventure “In Your Dreams” is making waves as it opens in theaters, championing a message that is both simple and revolutionary for the family genre: “real families fight.” This refreshingly honest take on domestic life moves beyond the typical sanitized portrayals of families who never disagree. The film, an adventure-comedy, instead embraces the messy, complex, and loving reality of modern family dynamics, suggesting that conflict is a normal, and even necessary, part of a strong unit. This approach provides a mirror for audiences, validating the experiences of children and parents alike.
Star Simu Liu, who voices the father character, was a major proponent of this realistic theme. He was reportedly “fascinated” by the film’s premise precisely because it rejected what he calls the “false” narrative of the “always happy” family. Liu stated bluntly that such a portrayal “is just not true,” and he believes “it’s important that kids have imagery of families that aren’t perfect.” His involvement lends significant weight to the film’s mission of delivering an emotionally authentic story.
The plot follows two determined siblings, Stevie (Jolie Hoang-Rappaport) and Elliot (Elias Janssen), who embark on a fantastical quest. Worried about the state of their parents’ marriage, they seek out The Sandman, believing he possesses the magic to fix their family’s problems. The parents are voiced by Liu and Cristin Milioti, with comedic talent Craig Robinson also joining the cast as Baloney Tony, ensuring the journey is filled with humor as well as heart.
Directed by Alex Woo, an alum of the acclaimed “Ratatouille,” the film skillfully balances its weightier themes with the visual charm and wit expected of a top-tier animated feature. The movie also features a “beautiful” duet between Simu Liu and Cristin Milioti, a musical moment of harmony that Milioti herself called a “really great” song. This sweet interlude provides a touching contrast to the family’s broader conflicts, highlighting the love that still exists beneath the friction.
Ultimately, the film’s greatest strength lies in its powerful and mature conclusion. The young hero, Stevie, comes to the hard-won realization that “there is no magic solution to real-life problems.” “In Your Dreams” proves that an animated film can successfully tackle complex, real-world issues like marital strife with humor, deep emotional resonance, and, most importantly, a profound sense of honesty that will stick with audiences.
‘In Your Dreams’ Champions Honesty: New Film Says “RealFamilies Fight”
