As a film critic, I occasionally get the chance to explore movies created beyond the borders of the United States. While some prove excellent enough for me to want to share with friends, I often have a recurring inquiry: Is it subtitled or dubbed in English? Interestingly, no matter my response, there’s a 50/50 chance of receiving an audible groan of discontent from them. I can only speculate on their reactions if my reply was “neither.”
Upon discovering that Robot Dreams was neither subtitled nor dubbed, yet garnered critical acclaim, my interest was piqued. Directed by Pablo Berger, this 2023 animated film unfolds the tale of a lonely dog navigating a world dominated by animals. Every aspect of Dog’s existence is a stark reminder of his profound emptiness, from his empty New York apartment to the solitary nights spent in front of the television.
In an attempt to combat his depressing situation, Dog takes a bold step by ordering a robot companion through the mail. From the moment Robot comes online, an instantaneous and deep bond forms between them. As weeks pass, the duo nurtures their profound friendship. One day, they embark on a joyous trip to the beach. However, as the day ends, Robot discovers an inability to move due to rusty joints.
Caught in a heart-wrenching predicament, Dog, unable to move Robot, reluctantly leaves his mechanical friend behind, promising to return the next day for a rescue mission. To his dismay, the beach is closed for the season when he returns. Despite relentless efforts, Dog fails to reunite with Robot. Consumed by heartache, he spends the entire off-season anxiously awaiting the moment he can rescue his friend.
Meanwhile, Robot spends the time dreaming of being rescued, wondering about Dog’s activities, grappling with the fear of being forgotten and replaced. But as time marches on, things change, and both find that life has a way of throwing curves. The narrative weaves a poignant tale of separation, longing and the enduring bond between a lonely dog and his robot companion.
Robot Dreams is a rarity in modern films. Not a single word is spoken during the entire 102 minutes of runtime. While the Nicolas Cage film, Willy’s Wonderland, featured a main character who spent the film letting his fists do his talking, that movie still had other cast members who filled in some scenes with useful dialogue. Robot Dreams relies solely on its use of imagery to convey the story of Robot and Dog. And it does so smashingly, as the art in this film is a testament to the timeless beauty of 2D animation.
Even with all the advances in computer-aided graphics, there is still magic to be found in simple art designs typically relegated to comic books and graphic novels. It is often said that a great actor can make a mediocre story interesting. But when you have no real acting, then everything else has to be spot on. Robot Dreams accomplishes this in spades.
Speaking of the narrative, Robot Dreams exudes sheer charm. Dog emerges as a deeply relatable character, embodying the universal experience of loneliness that we’ve all encountered at some point in our lives. The film skillfully portrays those moments when, in the real world, we observe seemingly content couples and families, contrasting with the turmoil within our own lives. Whether returning to empty homes or apartments, spending hours in solitude, or even amid the company of friends and family, there are times when one can’t escape the pervasive feeling of emptiness, as if a part of their soul is missing.
The beauty of the story lies in its affirmation that we have the agency to address such emotions, and to take steps toward changing our circumstances. While the notion of purchasing a robot as an emotional surrogate may not be the healthiest approach, the film hints at the proximity of such possibilities with the advancing field of AI. However, Robot Dreams transcends into a more profound narrative, delving into the necessity for Dog and Robot to part ways.
It is in this evolution that the true, healthy development of their emotions and feelings takes center stage. This aspect of the plot stands out as the most robust and thought-provoking, striking a chord with the audience. It’s evident why the film has garnered high praise from nearly every critic who has had the privilege of viewing it.
Robot Dreams deserves a perfect five out of five stars. While it may be a straightforward animated film, don’t be deceived by its simplicity. The movie possesses universal appeal, proving highly relatable, and achieves more without uttering a single word than many films accomplish with hours of ceaseless dialogue.
Undoubtedly, it stands out as one of the finest films of 2023, animated or not.