Robot Dreams (2023)

Robot Dreams (2023)

After experiencing Robot and Dog, I wish I also had Robot Dreams

January 29, 2024

5 minutes

2023 Movies, Animated, Comedy, Movie Review, Neon, Neon Rated, New Releases, Pablo Berger, Reel Interpretations, Robot Dreams, Rotten Tomatoes, Tragedy

Sometimes we could all use a much needed break from the stories that involve violence, death, murder and other adult themes for stories that make you appreciate the finer things in life. No, im not talking about the things money can buy but the things that can make anyone feel alive and in the moment, experiencing joy without spending a dollar. Robot Dreams by writer-director Pablo Berger is the type of film with no ulterior motive, no crisis, villain to defeat, or personal tragedy to overcome – It’s a slice of life story that reminds us all that life is here to be enjoyed by all, sharing it with the ones you hold close.

It’s the 80’s during summertime in Manhattan and the city is buzzing with energy. Every corner is full of brand awareness that brings comfort to the little things. Only anthropomorphic animals exist in this version of Manhattan, you cannot find a single human roaming the streets. Based on the comic by Sara Varon, Robot Dreams introduces us to Dog, a single stud living in a cozy 1 bedroom apartment but he’s lonely. Heating up his frozen meals watching TV, Dog comes across an ad for a pal robot. Once Robot arrives and is meticulously put together, Dog and Robot become inseparable.

Set to the soundtrack of that era heavily featuring the ear worm worthy and catchy bop serenade of September by Earth, Wind & Fire, Dog and Robot’s friendship grows with every activity they set out to do. From Roller-skating to photo booths to catching a subway series game at Yankee Stadium (I’ll forgive Dog for being a Mets fan), the charm of Robot Dreams is infectious. Without realizing, you’ll be singing the lyrics of September under your breath and bopping along to the rhythm of Dog and Robot’s synchronized dance routine in central park. Life is easy when you have a best friend along for the ride.

Pablo Berger draws you in with stylish animation, a sleek look at the Manhattan skyline with the Twin Towers in the background whenever possible but what keeps you invested in Robot Dreams is the friendship and love Robot and Dog have for one another. Berger taps into real life friendships that we all have experienced in life and uses that to fuel his characters motivations and needs for being present next to another soul. Often Berger will show that presence between Dog and Robot by the two holding hands – no innuendo behind it, the meaning goes beyond the sexual nature. It represents their connection as soulmates to each other, unburdened by expectation, just two individuals finding solace and comfort in being together.

Without a single line of dialogue spoken, Berger tells a complete story in a simple manner, expressing the relatable themes and emotions through the characters expressions. For the majority of the film the only expression that can be found on Dog and Robot are warm smiles and happy spirits in in the face of the films tragedy. That tragedy comes during the last day of the summer season, spent at the beach among tanned pigs and an endless sea of animals enjoying the hot sand and cold ocean water (I wouldn’t even call what happens a tragedy, it’s more of an unfortunate event).

But even faced with the decision Dog makes, the friendship the two have built over the course of 102 minutes never breaks, the hope the two have for reuniting one day pushes them forward through the grief of separation. To avoid giving away the entire plot, Dog is forced to separate from Robot until the following year on June 1^stagainst several failed attempts at rescuing Robot. It’s without the dialogue that you feel the anguish and sadness from Dog and Robot as they cope without one another. Losing a best friend and soulmate is like losing a piece of you, all the shared experiences, good times and never ending days become distant and painful memories.

Robot Dreams in its simplest form of storytelling is a complete package and one of the best films of the year. It’s the type of film that gives you hope for humanity, seen through the eyes of a canine and an alloyed robot, that two different species or races can come together and get along, forming an unbreakable bond. Dog and Robot will capture your imagination in a deeply emotionally driven story of two unlikely compadres becoming intertwined with one another for the rest of their lives (even if they may have to part ways for good).

The themes Pablo Berger writes along with his curiosity in exploration easily translates to whoever’s watching – showing the effects of their journey rather than relying on a monologue to get the point across. Without a mean gear in its mechanical body, Robot Dreams touches the heart and brings happiness to any and all who need a comforting pick me up after a tough day. Both Dog and Robot and their friendship have the power to stay with you beyond the credits, to push you out of a comfort zone and experience something new, without fear or judgement. If we open ourselves up for anything, only then can we be free to be our true selves.