by Charles Kirkland, Jr.
Faced with the loss of their family as they know it, Stevie and her little brother Elliot journey into the wildly absurd landscape of their dreams to save it in In Your Dreams.
Stevie has always been the fixer in her family, especially after her mischievous younger brother Elliot came along. But this time, Stevie finds herself at a loss. Her parents seem to be drifting apart, and for once, she doesn’t know how to make things right.
One afternoon, while wandering through a bookstore, Stevie and Elliot stumble upon an ancient, mysterious book that promises its reader a granted wish from The Sandman. It sounds like pure fantasy until the siblings experience a shared, vividly lucid dream. Convinced this may be their one chance to mend their family, Stevie persuades Elliot to journey through their dreams in search of The Sandman.
The screenplay for In Your Dreams is written by Erik Benson and Alexander Woo, based on a story by Woo and Stanley Moore. The film features the voice talents of Jolie Hoang-Rappaport, Elias Janssen, Simu Liu, Cristin Milioti, and Craig Robinson, and is directed by Benson and Woo.
Following the success of K-Pop Demon Hunters, Netflix continues to establish itself as a powerhouse in animated storytelling. In Your Dreams is their highly anticipated follow-up, and the streamer reportedly plans to submit both films for Oscar consideration. This one might just have what it takes.
The screenplay strikes a delicate balance: silly and spirited enough for younger audiences, yet smart, relevant, and emotionally grounded for teens and adults alike. Its core theme centers on the strength and protection of family. Though Stevie and Elliot couldn’t be more different and often get on each other’s nerves, they discover that being siblings comes with unexpected rewards. Faced with a greater threat, the two form an uneasy alliance that deepens their bond.
Where Demon Hunters delivered an electrifying original soundtrack, In Your Dreams energizes its world with clever revivals of classics like The Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams” and Metallica’s “Enter Sandman,” the latter reimagined in a new cover by Weezer. While these tracks predate the film’s target audience, they’re irresistibly catchy, fueling the movie with momentum, energy, and danceable fun.
The film’s animation dazzles with vivid color and clarity, even as Stevie and Elliot slip between the waking world and the dreamscape. The subtle blending of reality and fantasy keeps viewers guessing what’s real and what’s imagined. One standout sequence shifts into an ultra-cool, stylistic homage to one of the year’s most popular animation trends, a visual treat that elevates the film’s already dynamic energy.
Rated PG for thematic content, scary images, action/peril, and some rude humor, In Your Dreams is a slick and smart movie destined to become an adventure of a nighttime. It’s a crowd-pleasing, family-friendly delight.
In Your Dreams is currently streaming on Netflix.
Grade: B+
