Robot Dreams

When I first saw a trailer for the 2023 film Robot Dreams, based on the graphic novel by Sara Varon, I was intrigued enough by the animation and premise to read the source material as I waited for a US release date. Upon reading the graphic novel, which I enjoyed, I became more interested in seeing how the film would adapt the book, including what changes there might be in translation. When a release date finally came, it would be part of a very limited theatrical run, and so we made sure to get tickets for the earliest possible date we could due to the timeframe of screenings in our area. After finally getting to see it, I found it to be a faithful adaptation that was well worth the wait.

In 1980s New York, Dog spends a lonely night in his apartment and comes upon a commercial for a buildable robot companion. After Dog puts Robot together, the two of them become inseparable friends as Robot navigates a world that is new to him. One day, on a trip to a beach, Robot becomes rusted and unable to move, forcing Dog to abandon him. The next day, Dog returns to try and help Robot, only to find the beach is closed for the Season, forcing him to wait it out.

Much like the book it’s based on, Robot Dreams has a simple premise, but the time spent on Dog and Robot individually is no less eventful as it explores their lives during the stretch of time before the beach reopens. Though the movie takes a few creative liberties to make it work as a feature, it is no less faithful to the source material as it follows similar story beats while expanding on them in the right way. Some expansions also help solidify the bond formed between Dog and Robot, such as Dog being a little more proactive at first in rescuing Robot to the point of risking the law, making some moments even more impactful than they were in the book.

Just like the book, the film also goes without dialogue outside of grunts, relying entirely on visuals to tell its story and heighten the emotional impact of some moments. Some moments also take full advantage of the medium, with special mention to a dream sequence Robot has that’s inspired by MGM’s The Wizard of Oz film. The visual style is also faithful to the book, as it uses a more refined version of Sara Varon’s art style that makes it work better for animation while still being recognizable to fans of her work. The depiction of New York in the movie is also highly-detailed and vibrant, with brand names and logos incorporated in a way that makes the world feel more believable and truer to the setting without feeling like product placement, all without clashing with the comparatively simple character designs. Though the film goes without dialogue, it still makes good use of licensed tracks, with “September” by Earth, Wind & Fire even serving as a running theme.

Whether you’ve read the book or not, Robot Dreams is a fantastic movie that is well worth watching if able. Its approach to visual storytelling also allows to be enjoyed on a universal level and is a great example of the power of the animation medium.