Director Pablo Berger’s Robot Dreams may be an animated film but its ability to tug at your heartstrings should not be underestimated. After a long awards campaign, which included an Academy Award nomination in 2023 for Best Animated Feature Film, Robot Dreams is finally coming to theaters in Los Angeles on June 6th. Adapted from the graphic novel Robot Dreams by Sara Varo, this beautiful cinematic interpretation is a poignant portrayal of friendship, growing up, and moving on.

From BFFs to Just a Memory

It’s another typical day in 1980’s New York City. Dog sits down on his couch and unboxes a TV dinner while flippantly surfing through the channels on his TV. Basking in the dim glow from the screen, Dog suddenly feels lonely. He wants–no, needs–a companion in his life. That night, he orders Robot. After a quick assembly on his living room floor, Robot comes to life, and the two misfits immediately become best friends.

Watch the Robot Dreams trailer here.

There is a newfound pep in Dog’s step as he walks the streets of NYC with Robot. This happiness culminates in an epic dance montage where Dog, Robot, and a posse of animal civilians dance to Earth Wind & Fire’s “September.” The song is reprised as a piano instrumental when the duo takes a trip to the beach, and it evokes the quintessential feeling of summer. The sun is shining, the breeze is blowing, and Dog has never been happier. That is, until Robot realizes that the salty ocean water has rusted his robotic parts in place, rendering him paralyzed. Dog is determined to get his friend off of the beach but the hurdles he faces prove to be anything but smooth sailing.

Things don’t fare well for Robot either. Stuck on the beach, he is at the mercy of strangers, some of which are not so kind. Both Dog and Robot are heartbroken at their separation. As time passes, their once-solid friendship inevitably weakens. What was once a beautiful relationship starts to become a distant memory.

A Film Without Dialogue

Music is the driving force behind Robot Dreams, as there is no dialogue throughout the entire film. In addition to being a strong creative choice–that works extremely well–this also allows universal accessibility for audiences. A film without dialogue removes the barrier to entry and allows any age to connect with the material.

On one hand, Robot Dreams is a film for children. The flat-look animation is easy on the eyes with continuous clean lines, flat colors, and limited shadows. On the surface, it is fun, light-hearted fare. On the other hand, it can be argued that only adults can truly absorb the film’s emotional subtleties. Robot Dreams is ultimately a meditation on being alone, together, a sentiment that empaths will have a hard time getting through the ending with dry eyes.

Takeaway

Fans of Past Lives and La La Land will feel a similar emotional connection to Robot Dreams. It is a fantasy, a whimsical animated tale, and also a surprisingly emotive story of reflection and friendship.