The 96th Academy Awards ceremony, a highly anticipated event, has garnered significant attention across the globe. In this context, I would like to highlight a lesser-known film titled “Robot Dreams,” which was nominated for the Best Animated Feature category. The film, written and directed by Pablo Berger, is an adaptation of Sara Varon’s 2007 comic of the same name. Despite its nomination, this film may have yet to receive widespread recognition among mainstream film enthusiasts, as it has only been released in France and Spain. However, NEON Film Studio acquired the distribution rights to release the film in North America during the summer.
“Robot Dreams” is a narrative presented without verbal dialogue. It centers around the character Dog, who is a resident of Manhattan in 1984. Dog, feeling lonely, constructs a robot to serve as his companion. Their friendship blossoms, and they become inseparable, enjoying the hustle and bustle of the city together. However, one summer night, Dog is compelled to leave Robot at the beach, leaving him with a deep sadness. The question that lingers is whether Dog and Robot will ever reunite.
After hearing rave reviews from a fellow film critic, I hit play on my screener copy of the film. I was unaware of the director’s previous works, so I went in totally blind. Pablo Berger, the wizard behind “Robot Dreams,” has managed to create a vibrant and realistic world that miraculously comes alive even though its lead and secondary actors are nothing more than lovely animals and expressive robots.
The film is characterized by its unique absence of dialogue, instead opting to rely on its period setting to create a distinctive charm. Set in a bustling, colorful New York City of the 1980s, complete with a jingly soundtrack, “Robot Dreams” provides a humorous glimpse into a bygone era of vibrant New York culture. Beyond its nostalgic elements, however, the film offers thought-provoking insights into modern-day digital alienation. Its delightful animation is replete with slight yet powerful details that sparkle with humor, creating a heartfelt homage to a simpler time in New York City life.
At its core, “Robot Dreams” is a profoundly moving tribute to the power of genuine friendships that withstand the ups and downs of life, even the distinctive experiences that evoke fond memories. This heartwarming masterpiece of animation is undoubtedly a must-see for audiences when it premieres in theaters this summer.
Final Grade: A
“Robot Dreams” is currently due to release in US theaters on May 31.
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