Robot Dreams

Despite its simple animated style, this week’s film is likely more appropriate for older viewers due its melancholy tone and emotional complexity.

In 1980s New York City, a lonely dog decides to purchase and assemble a robot companion after seeing an ad on TV. The two quickly become inseparable friends, spending a joyful summer playing in the park, watching movies, and dancing to their favorite music. But their carefree days come to an abrupt end when a day at the beach leaves Robot rusted and immobile, with Dog forced to leave him behind when the beach closes for the winter.

As the seasons change, both friends face their separate journeys of loss and loneliness. Robot, stranded on the closed beach, experiences dreams of reunion while his physical form deteriorates. Meanwhile, Dog struggles to move forward, trying to form new connections but never forgetting his mechanical friend.

Based on the graphic novel, this dialogue-free film uses simple but clever animation to explore profound themes about friendship, loss, and the struggles of moving forward. While there’s no inappropriate content (other than some mild crude language), the film is rated PG-13 for its mature emotional content; it isn’t about zany adventures or cartoonish slapstick, but rather a poignant journey of separation and how relationships transform us even when their seasons in our lives have passed.

Runtime: 1 hour, 43 minutes
Rated PG-13
98% on Rotten Tomatoes
IMDb Parents Guide
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