The new animated film “In Your Dreams” showcases the talents of Simu Liu and Cristin Milioti, putting them in roles of both harmony and conflict. The two stars voice a “strained couple” whose marriage is on the rocks. But they also share a “beautiful” duet, a song Milioti called “really great.”
This complex relationship is the focus of the film, opening Friday. The couple’s children, Stevie (Jolie Hoang-Rappaport) and Elliot (Elias Janssen), embark on a magical quest to find The Sandman, believing he can “fix” their parents.
The film, directed by Pixar veteran Alex Woo, is a “fascinating” look at an “imperfect” family, according to Simu Liu. The ‘Shang-Chi’ star has been vocal that the “always happy” family trope is “not true” and that “it’s important” for kids to see realistic conflicts.
The cast also includes Craig Robinson as the voice of Baloney Tony, a stuffed animal. The film, animated by Sony Pictures Imageworks, is an adventure-comedy with a powerful emotional core.
Ultimately, the film is about learning a hard truth. Stevie, the protagonist, discovers that “there is no magic solution to real-life problems.” The film’s blend of conflict and harmonious moments, like the duet, paints a realistic, moving picture of family.
