The new animated film “In Your Dreams” is delivering a necessary message: “real families fight.” This is the truth that star Simu Liu championed and the lesson its young protagonist learns. The film, an adventure-comedy opening Friday, is a refreshingly honest take on the family genre.
Liu, who voices the father, was “fascinated” by the film’s premise. He rejected the “false” narrative of the “always happy” family, stating, “it’s just not true,” and “it’s important that kids have imagery of families that aren’t perfect.”
The film, from director Alex Woo (“Ratatouille” alum), follows siblings Stevie (Jolie Hoang-Rappaport) and Elliot (Elias Janssen) on a quest. They seek The Sandman to magically save the marriage of their parents (Liu and Cristin Milioti). The film also stars Craig Robinson as Baloney Tony.
A “beautiful” duet between Liu and Milioti provides a moment of harmony, which Milioti called a “really great” song. This contrasts with the family’s conflict.
The film’s powerful conclusion is what sets it apart. Stevie, the young hero, must accept that “there is no magic solution to real-life problems.” “In Your Dreams” proves that an animated film can tackle complex, real-world issues with humor, heart, and, most importantly, honesty.