The Wasteland Reviewer

Robot Dreams (2024) Written Review

Wait…is it here? Has Robot Dreams finally arrived in theaters after all this time? This film was nominated for Best Animated Feature at the Oscars this year for films released in 2023. We are FIVE months into 2024 already and this French/Spanish animated feature is just getting released into theaters. Robot Dreams is a 2024 film. The rules allowed for this film to be represented as a 2023 film at the Oscars, but all audiences are ready for the buzz to become real. 

Does this film live up to that acknowledgment from the Academy? Robot Dreams just might be the best animated film to have come out between 2023/2024. This film has such a unique vibe in modern filmmaking. The setting is so fully realized with detail. It is 1980s New York City, and you can see so many little details in every scene that captures this time and builds the bridge to the more fantastical elements of the film. Those elements are embodied in this strange reality where there are no humans and just anthropomorphic animals instead. There are tons of clever one-off references like a Darryl Strawberry dog for a bobblehead from the Mets. There are so many animals and plenty of sight gags that make the most of their animal identities in this case. The world building is unmatched in capturing the unique aspects of 1980s New York with the hip hop music, graffiti, and so many details alluding to iconic establishments like stores and restaurants. 

Outside of the world that this wonderful story inhabits, how well does the rest of the film land? For a film with zero dialogue, this film has so much to say. Loneliness can be such a powerful thing and Robot Dreams captures the weight of it through our protagonist, Dog. He longs for companionship and that is what motivates him to buy a robotic companion. This film becomes so charming seeing the blossoming connection between Dog and Robot. Their chemistry is off the charts and they share a love for one song that becomes such a significant anchor for the emotions of the film. This allegory for gay romance (which is a read that feels natural for how this film plays out) is so powerful. But one unfortunate event disconnects them, and they each must process this “break-up”. But the way this film processes heartbreak and the complexities of finding new love is so interesting. There is some incredible nuance and maturity in these words in animated films that might be mistaken for a kid’s movie. But it certainly is SO much more than that. The depth of this film and the emotional feats it accomplishes are most impressive. That one singular song (mentioned earlier) creates one of the most cathartic film moments in recent memories but it also crafts such a poignant look at the reclaiming of elements lost in heartbreak and the ability to evolve and move on. 

Where do the dreams come into this scenario? Robot Dreams leverages unexpected dream sequences to capture the hopes and aspirations of our robotic companion. This approach to storytelling has the potential to be frustrating and anticlimactic. But the way that Pablo Berger leverages these unexpected dream sequences creates impact and poignancy. There are some truly shocking moments from a narrative perspective. The film knows how dreams manipulate humans and does so accordingly. There is a somber reality that dreams can bring just as much disappointment and sadness as joy and hope. That is a mature message that goes way farther than you might expect from a film that looks like from the outside. There is also a great passion for filmmaking that Berger brings to the table which is made obvious by one dream sequence that truly captures the power of film magic and imagination. There are other references throughout the film to other classics from Jaws to The Big Lebowski but one of the dream sequences certainly takes the cake. 

Did Robots Dreams deserve all that incredibly early praise it received and awards buzz? Hands down…this is one of the best animated films in the last ten years. This is a gorgeous and moving cinematic experience. Our protagonists are empathetic and charming (without saying a word) and we are all in for their relationship yet completely understand when that evolves and new connections are created. The perfect balance of fun, tears, and poignancy is unmatched in so many films that come out today. The amount of respect for his audience Berger shows is admirable. This is the kind of film that will change how you might hear certain songs. This just might reframe your perspective on nostalgia and yearning for something lost. In the same way Hugo does, this film reignites that passion for film in all of us. But most powerfully, this just might help you grieve the loss of a relationship and help you process the challenging and complex emotions of finding connection again and recapturing those memories, spots, and songs that you dedicated to another. This is a special film in every shape or form. Watch it as soon as it comes near you. The magic is real.