Robot Dreams, 2023.
Directed by Pablo Berger.
Featuring the voice talents of Ivan Labanda, Graciela Molina, José Mediavilla, José García Tos, Esther Solans, Tito Trifol, and Rafa Calvo.
SYNOPSIS:
Dog lives in Manhattan and he’s tired of being alone. One day he decides to build himself a robot, a companion. Their friendship blossoms, until they become inseparable, to the rhythm of 80’s NYC. One summer night, DOG, with great sadness, is forced to abandon ROBOT at the beach. Will they ever meet again?
Animation has come a long as a medium, dazzling audiences with the sheer variety of storytelling. Despite this growth, a fully silent 1hr 40 Tragicomedy about the friendship between a dog and a robot is not an instant sell. Pablo Berger’s Robot Dreams has earned numerous accolades and was nominated for the Best Animated Feature Oscar. The lack of dialogue rarely feels like an obstacle with some distinctive imagery and communication through music and visuals.
Perhaps what is most surprising about Robot Dreams is its melancholic tone, it finds the perfect balance between a reflection on grief and something with a message about hope for the future. It is never too downbeat as it depicts this unlikely friendship and how the smallest of things can have a lasting impact. It is never overly morose and carries more depth than you might expect.
A day at Coney Island that seems to be going swimmingly, ends abruptly as the pair are isolated and we spend much wondering if they’ll be reunited as they struggle to find meaning for their lives as the seasons come and go.
The soundtrack helps convey a wealth of emotions with Earth Wind & Fire’s iconic September and other Disco tunes a key part of the bond between the two protagonists, even incorporated into the score and hums and whistles throughout. It is a key motif that never outstays its welcome, knowingly incorporated into the film’s DNA.
Berger takes the visual cues and base storyline of Sara Varon’s graphic novel, which was aimed at younger readers and expands this into a story that wouldn’t be wholly inappropriate for children but will carry the most weight for adults. The world our protagonists inhabit is heavily inspired by 1980s New York with some futuristic traits. Characters rollerblade their way around and boomboxes abound.
Robot Dreams is a delightful reflection on friendship and finding meaning in life. It is a surprisingly heartfelt look at grief and loss and is worthy of the accolades and praise it has earned. For its lack of dialogue, it is a film jam-packed with visual flourishes and intelligent ideas, that never feel gimmicky. It is an intelligent film that maximises its sound and visual elements to create something unique.
Flickering Myth Rating – Film: ★ ★ ★ ★ / Movie: ★ ★ ★ ★
Chris Connor
