Robot Dreams

In an age where the lines of what makes for a successful relationship have become increasingly blurred (and simultaneously more liberating), we’re seeing all manner of partnership combinations emerge that are just as valid as conventional models, no matter how different they may appear. And thank goodness for that, as evidenced by the profound connection depicted in this delightful animated feature from writer-director Pablo Berger. In a diversely multicultural version of 1980s New York (some might more correctly call it a multi-species zootropolis), Dog is a lonely soul. He longs to find someone to make his life fulfilled, a dream that appears to come true when he purchases an Amica 2000 Robot. Once activated, Robot and Dog quickly bond and spend a fun summer getting to know one another and enjoying each other’s company. But, when a late summer beach outing inadvertently separates them until the following spring, each is left alone, wondering if they’ll ever see one another again, despite often dreaming about what such a reunion may hold. During this separation, though, both parties begin to realize what could occur if they never reconnect, prompting them to consider how to forge new forms of companionship. But will those alternative arrangements be satisfying, or will their longing for one another never let up? These are the kinds of relationship questions that many of us face in life, so the circumstances ring familiar, even if the parties involved are vastly different from us. The result is a warm, touching, heartfelt story that’s decidedly sweet and cute (though never cutesy), with more than a few bittersweet moments to keep it real. The picture’s charming, imaginative animation presents a whimsical, nuanced view of the Big Apple in the late 20th Century with virtually no dialogue but backed with a killer soundtrack. The narrative, based on a graphic novel by Sara Varon, is a bit sluggish at times (especially in the film’s opening half) with some sequences that could have been trimmed or eliminated. In fact, some have contended that “Robot Dreams” is a glorified short that’s been needlessly padded to stretch out its runtime, though that’s a view I don’t share, despite my belief that this release would have benefitted from some judicious editing. As a general rule, I’m not an overly huge fan of animation, since much of it in my mind is excessively silly, manic and inane (especially among American productions), so I tend to pick what I screen in this genre very selectively. However, when animation works well, its offerings frequently turn my head, as this one often does. This Oscar-nominated title is a fun little picture that will surely put a smile on your face and tug at the heartstrings, and that’s something worth dreaming about.

Set in a New York City populated by animals with human traits, we meet a dog who lives a rather solitary existence. Addicted to microwavable mac 'n cheese, he catches a glimpse of a couple in the apartment block opposite and that makes him feel a little lonesome. A timely ad on the television, though, suggests he buy a robot pal. An huge great box duly arrives and a Meccano project that might have daunted Da Vinci ensues. Success! Soon the pair are bonding nicely and a trip to the beach proves great fun. The problem? Well, the robot then seizes up. Lack of power. The dog rushes home to get a repair kit only to find his return barred by gates and padlocks. It's the end of the season and he cannot return til June! He tries a few wheezes to get to his friend, but thwarted he must accept the inevitable and wait. It's whilst he is waiting that we are introduced to the dreams of the robot as he lies paralysed on the sand. Simple dreams. Nothing too aspirational, but they help him while away the time as the rain, snow, sand - and a few unkindly visitors pepper his inactivity. Meantime, our canine friend must also try to get on with his life - and perhaps unsurprisingly, he dreams too. The denouement is not what I was expecting - and I found that created quite a touching, plausible even, scenario which I think you'll appreciate when you see it. It's a film about friendship, longing and resilience that's well enough animated and though you do have to suspend a degree of practicality when watching, it does offer quite a poignant look how we build, sustain and move on from relationships and is really well worth seeing on the big screen.