Robot Dreams Review

Release Date – 22nd March 2024, Cert – PG, Run-time – 1 hour 42 minutes, Director – Pablo Berger

When a robot runs out of battery the day the beach closes for the season he and his dog best friend dream of when, and how, they will reunite.

Robot Dreams feels perfect for a series of YouTube shorts. Based on Sara Varon’s graphic novel of the same name the colourful animal-filled world pops from the screen with plenty to like about the background details of this 2D animated world. The sequences which construct the narrative as a separated pair of best friends – a dog and robot – dream about when, and how, they will reunite feel sometimes like a compilation of related shorts put together into a feature. A rather sweet set of events, light and happy up until the point where the episode ends with everyone being sad and alone again – again, perfect for YouTube.

The pair, having quickly become best friends and bonding over Earth, Wind And Fire’s September (heavily used throughout the film and creating a definite earworm for days after), are split up when the robot runs out of battery on a beach the day it closes for the upcoming winter months. Whilst the dog tries his best to find a way to get onto the beach to allow his friend to walk again and come home, the robot lies dreaming about all the possible friends and encounters he might have while still in his current situation

While bordering on repetition in the lengthy second act, back-and-forthing between the two perspectives and how things change for them over the months, it’s testament to the film and the way the stories hook you just how much you stay in place. Told without any dialogue and relying simply on the visuals (and the joyous power of September) it tells a simple set of events with an enjoyable style to connect with all ages – with the ability to cater for younger kids too with the cartoon style and some of the gags, such as a snowman turning blue after drinking a slushie.

With the bouncing to and from in the second act the 102 minute run-time feels slightly on the long side, especially with the stream of dreams vs reality sequences bordering on repetitious and losing engagement towards the end. Yet, where the film ends up is certainly interesting in the way that it links back to the opening stages of a growing friendship, the dog buying his best friend to combat loneliness. There’s plenty of light humour in seeing one teach the other the basics of the world around them and the fun that can be found.

While the fantasies amongst the separations work well the more direct bookends of the narrative have a better flow and provide more overall enjoyment. Especially in showing the warming friendships and the joy which sparks from them, whether it be through the characters dancing to a song, marvelling at things in the street or simply being in the company of their best friend.

While it might occasionally feel like a joined-up web series in the sequences of the second act Robot Dreams has enough sweetness and warmth within its family style and animation to help it along its likable tale of changing friendships.

★★★