Adapted from the beloved graphic novel of the same name, but injected with a New York ambiance, Robot Dreams delivers one of the most humanistic depictions of memories and loss through a robot and dog’s love story.

Set in a very contemporary and timeless 1980s East Village populated by anthropomorphic animals, Dog is sitting on his couch eating a microwave meal for one watching television. The typical solo night activities for a lonely person, when all of a sudden, an ad calls to him for the companion he has been seeking, a robot. After assembling, Robot becomes a mainstay to Dog. 

Reminiscent of the BoJack Horseman episode, ‘Fish Out of Water,’ director Pablo Berger opts for a specialty of his films with nonexistent dialogue letting the soundscape of the city and facial expressions do the talking. A graphic novel aimed at children, Berger elevates a deep story of relationships for all ages to enjoy. Robot and Dog embark on a series of adventures in their blooming relationship from boating and roller-skating to September, the official anthem of their partnership. From the start, the mechanical mate encompasses the feelings of being human and having someone you care for. Robot is a gateway for Dog to rediscover life and experience the city around them no longer held captive by their sorrow. With a new friend, it’s like Dog is doing all the traditional New Yorker tasks like a hot dog in the park for the first time through the naive eyes of Robot. It is an instant match that sadly halts when Robot is left behind paralyzed after a beach day causing Dog to return to the loner life. 

As the season progresses, Robot and Dog occupy their time with new companions and experiences, but their bond continues to run deep when they dream as shown in subconscious sequences that even though they aren’t physically together they will always be joint.  The fast-paced quick edits move the narrative along like multiple episodes in one overarching history that conveys the solitude of both beings. Robot’s humanity shines through in their dreams as they use the few shared memories as a framework to form new experiences the two friends could have had if they weren’t forced apart. Even though Robot and Dog are nonhuman, their tale is a very universal humanistic experience that anyone of any background can relate to. The eye-catching animals of New York capture a younger viewer while the true implications of Robot and Dog’s distance easily play into an adult’s understanding of the story tugging on all the right emotional cords. Berger’s script leans into the mature territory of all good things that must come to an end but in life, there are multiple soulmates. Learn to love and then let go flows through the film’s messaging as the separate two have to adjust back to seldom. Dogs, know what being alone is like, but Robot’s introduction to life was Dogs and now they have to experience a life in solitude figuring out how to survive and also connect with new beings different from dogs. 

The original story is not set in a specific location, but on his first shot at animation, Berger puts himself into the film by constructing an animated New York inspired by his early days in the city. A New York of the past and present come together to fully build out the world of Robot and Dog’s escapades making sure each neighborhood has its own distinct feels from look to sound. Visuals are extremely important for a story that has no dialogue and the creative team behind it paints a whole city full of funny advertisements and gags. The story takes New York as a character literally bringing it to life from every aspect. When the duo are separated the bustling energy felt by the surrounding world of animals emphasizes their increasing despair over losing their loved one. Sadness cuts through the colors and lights Not a detail is left unturned in the power of animation even dust comes off the chip bags when they are opened. It feels like Berger truly understands this world he is portraying from its simple colors and visual jokes that make it extremely digestible to the eye in contrast to its heartfelt message. He strips down all the unnecessary clutter and overstimulates animated films in favor of a cohesive, lived-in imaginary world where octopuses inhabit the streets. 

Robot Dreams is a beautiful montage of the impact of a lasting bond on one’s life told by an unlikely duo. 

Grade: A

Oscars Prospects:
Nominations: Best Animated Feature
Should Have Been Considered: Best Adapted Screenplay

Release Date: May 31, 2024
Where to Watch: In Select Theaters