Director Alex Woo, an alumnus of Pixar, and ‘Shang-Chi’ star Simu Liu are teaming up for “In Your Dreams,” an animated film they both praise for its emotional honesty. The film, opening Friday, centers on a family in conflict, a concept that Liu found “fascinating” and a welcome change from “fairy tale” narratives.
Woo, who worked on “Ratatouille” and “WALL·E,” pitched Liu the idea of a “real family that argues.” Liu immediately latched onto the concept, stating that the “always happy” family image in media is “not true.” He emphasized that “it’s important that kids have imagery of families that aren’t perfect,” a goal Woo’s film aims to achieve.
The film’s plot follows siblings Stevie (Jolie Hoang-Rappaport) and Elliot (Elias Janssen) on a magical quest. They journey to find The Sandman, believing he can save their parents’ (Liu and Cristin Milioti) marriage. This adventure-comedy, animated by Sony Pictures Imageworks, is filled with humor, thanks to characters like Baloney Tony, voiced by Craig Robinson.
The film also has moments of poignant beauty. Cristin Milioti, a Grammy winner, highlighted a duet she performs with Liu. She called the song “really great” and a “beautiful moment” that provides a glimpse of the parents in harmony.
Ultimately, Woo’s and Liu’s shared vision of honesty shapes the film’s conclusion. Stevie, the young protagonist, must learn that “there is no magic solution to real-life problems.” The film’s message is that navigating real, imperfect life is more important than chasing a perfect, impossible dream.
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