Netflix has released a new animated feature that aims to capture the magic of Pixar's golden era. In Your Dreams, available in select cinemas now and streaming on Netflix from November 14, presents a heartfelt adventure that echoes classic animated favourites while establishing its own identity.
The Pixar Legacy and Netflix's Ambition
There was a time when Pixar seemed unstoppable, delivering critically acclaimed films that redefined animation as an art form. The studio combined breathtaking visuals with profound storytelling, creating a winning streak that captivated audiences worldwide. However, recent years have seen the animation giant struggling to maintain that same level of excellence, with this year's Elio recording the lowest opening ever for a Pixar film.
Netflix's pre-Thanksgiving release appears strategically timed to fill this creative gap. In Your Dreams follows the Pixar playbook closely, both visually and thematically, creating an experience that, while not reaching Pixar's historic heights, offers more engagement than typical streaming animation fare.
A Journey Through Dreamscapes
The film centres on siblings Stevie and Elliot, who embark on an extraordinary adventure through the world of dreams. Their mission stems from very real family troubles - their parents' marriage is crumbling, and their mother considers leaving for a new job. This relatable family drama provides the emotional foundation for their fantastical journey.
Stevie's dreams initially reflect happier times, showing her family "like one of those happy families you see at the beginning of a disaster movie" as she describes it. However, her subconscious knows better, transforming these dreams into nightmares that force her back to reality. The children discover a book about the Sandman, who supposedly can turn dreams into reality, propelling them into an adventure through their own minds.
Pixar Pedigree and Netflix Execution
The film's connection to Pixar runs deeper than mere inspiration. Writer-director Alex Woo previously worked as a story artist on iconic Pixar films including Ratatouille and Wall-E. His co-writer Erik Benson also brings Pixar experience to the project. This background explains why the animation style feels so authentically Pixar-coded, especially in the human character designs.
Woo and Benson successfully incorporate Pixar's signature approach to storytelling - weaving life lessons seamlessly into dynamic adventures without heavy-handed messaging. The film explores how nightmares can strengthen us just as dreams inspire, adding psychological depth beyond simple family values themes. The focus on a brother-sister relationship rather than the more common parent-child dynamic provides refreshing variety.
However, the film struggles to replicate Pixar's trademark wit. The comic relief character, a stuffed toy voiced by Craig Robinson, fails to generate laughs, and the dream sequences lack the clever silliness that defines better animated comedies.
Technical Execution and Runtime
With a runtime advertised as 90 minutes but actually finishing in under 80 minutes, the film feels somewhat slight - more like an extended episode than a substantial feature film. The breezy pace means it doesn't leave a lasting impression, comparable to "a dream you'll forget as soon as you open your eyes" according to our assessment.
Despite these limitations, Alex Woo demonstrates talent that Netflix would be wise to nurture. With stronger scripts and less derivative concepts, his future projects could significantly impact the streaming animation landscape. The film represents a marked improvement over Netflix's previous animated effort, the visually unappealing Spellbound from last year.
In Your Dreams may not reach the emotional heights of Pixar's masterpieces like Inside Out or Coco, but it delivers solid family entertainment with meaningful themes about navigating family challenges and understanding the purpose of both dreams and nightmares.
