A “couple in crisis” is at the center of the new animated film “In Your Dreams,” with Simu Liu and Cristin Milioti lending their voices to the struggling parents. The film, an adventure-comedy opening Friday, explores the impact of their conflict on their two children, Stevie (Jolie Hoang-Rappaport) and Elliot (Elias Janssen).
The children, desperate to “fix” their family, embark on a magical quest to find The Sandman. This plot, from director Alex Woo (Pixar’s “Ratatouille”), allows the film to explore mature themes through a fantastical lens. The film is animated by Sony Pictures Imageworks.
Simu Liu was “fascinated” by this honest premise. He has been vocal that the “always happy” family trope is “not true” and that “it’s important” for kids to see “imperfect” families like the one in this film.
Cristin Milioti, a Grammy winner, highlighted a duet she performs with Liu. She called the song, which shows the “strained couple in harmony,” a “really great” and “beautiful moment.” The cast also includes Craig Robinson as a stuffed animal, Baloney Tony.
The film’s message is one of acceptance. Stevie, the young protagonist, must learn that “there is no magic solution to real-life problems.” “In Your Dreams” is a heartfelt, honest look at a family in crisis.