Director Alex Woo, a veteran of Pixar’s story department, is rejecting the “fairy tale” family model in his new film, “In Your Dreams.” Opening Friday, the adventure-comedy from Netflix stars Simu Liu and Cristin Milioti as a couple whose marriage is on the rocks.
This realistic premise is what attracted Liu to the project. He was “fascinated” by Woo’s pitch to show a “real family that argues,” stating the “always happy” family image is “not true.” Liu believes “it’s important” for kids to see “imperfect” families.
The plot follows the children, Stevie (Jolie Hoang-Rappaport) and Elliot (Elias Janssen), on a quest. They journey to find The Sandman, believing he has the magic to “fix” their family. This adventure, animated by Sony Pictures Imageworks, also stars Craig Robinson as Baloney Tony.
Woo’s film finds time for beauty amidst the conflict. Milioti, a Grammy winner, highlighted a “beautiful” duet with Liu, which shows the couple in a rare moment of harmony.
Ultimately, Woo’s film is about maturation. Stevie, the protagonist, learns that “there is no magic solution to real-life problems.” By rejecting the “fairy tale” ending, “In Your Dreams” offers something more valuable: a story that feels true.
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