‘In Your Dreams’: Kids’ Quest for Sandman Can’t Fix Parents’ Marriage

The new animated film “In Your Dreams” sets up a classic fantasy quest, only to subvert it with a dose of harsh reality. The film, opening Friday, follows siblings Stevie and Elliot on a journey to find The Sandman. They believe this mythical being holds the key to “fixing” their parents’ failing marriage.
This central plot, from director Alex Woo (a Pixar veteran), is a vehicle for a powerful message. As teen actor Jolie Hoang-Rappaport, who voices Stevie, explains, her character “grapples with the discovery that there is no magic solution to real-life problems.” Stevie’s belief that she “can fix this on my own” is the central hurdle she must overcome.
This realistic approach is what attracted a stellar cast. Simu Liu, who voices the father, was “fascinated” by the chance to show a family that argues. He has been vocal that the “always happy” family trope is “not true” and that “it’s important” for kids to see “imperfect” families.
Cristin Milioti, an Emmy winner, voices the Mom, and “The Office” star Craig Robinson voices a stuffed animal, Baloney Tony. Milioti, a celebrated singer, even performs a duet with Liu, a “beautiful moment” that underscores the harmony the children are chasing.
The film, animated by Sony Pictures Imageworks, concludes with the same truth Simu Liu championed. The quest for The Sandman teaches the children that real family problems are complex, and they can’t be solved with a simple dream. Life, the film suggests, doesn’t always go as planned.