In the cinematic dreamscape of “In Your Dreams,” audiences are invited to journey alongside a cast of vibrant characters, each adding a unique stitch to a rich tapestry of humor, heart, and profound familial themes. The excitement and passion of those involved in the making of this animated film come alive through their reflections and insights, offering us a behind-the-scenes look at the magic that unfolds both on and off the screen.
A Dream Realized
Alex Woo, one of the directors and writers of the film, reflects on the dream-like nature of this project: “I’m so proud of it. We have such a great cast. I think the story is really good. It’s really emotional. It’s really funny. It’s got heart and humor. It’s what I look for when I go to the movies.”
His enthusiasm is mirrored by Jolie Hoang-Rappaport, who portrays Stevie, the film’s lead: “It’s kind of crazy to be like the lead of a Netflix animated movie.. I’m happy to be here.”
Navigating Family Dynamics
Central to “In Your Dreams” is the exploration of family dynamics and the navigation through life’s imperfections.
Simu Liu, playing one of the parents, shares, “for the first time in my life, I play a dad… [and] there’s no bad guy, there’s nothing wrong. But sometimes you just have two individual people that want different things.”
This depiction of an imperfect family provides a relatable grounding for audiences who find solace in the film’s message.
Cristin Milioti, who graces the film both as Jennifer / Mom and through her vocal talent, highlights a core theme: “to hold onto each other… that’s the core message of the movie that, even though life is not perfect, it’s pretty messy sometimes.”
This film is a reminder that familial love and support can navigate life’s messier challenges.
A Vibrant Cast Experience
Bringing these multifaceted characters to life required the combined talents of a massively talented cast.
Craig Robinson, providing comedic relief, talks about his character Tony: “He’s part of the heart of the movie… he’s funny, he’s silly, and he farts lasers, so I was made for this role.”
The cast worked closely with director Alex Woo, whose vision inspired everyone involved. Several cast members, like Elias Janssen and Simu Liu, describe Alex as passionate and collaborative, capturing his influence on the project.
Animating Dreams and Reality
Everything in “In Your Dreams” pivots on the axis of dreams and reality—a theme that resonates universally. For producer Tim Hahn, the incredible mix of fantasy and warmth is what sets this movie apart: “It’s incredibly warm and… really grounded, but at the same time really fantastical and kind of big and creative, and it was a joy to be part of.”
The film’s ability to expectantly straddle these realms is summed up beautifully by writer and director Erik Benson, who explains, “It felt like we all design our lives in a certain way and we want them to go a certain way, but reality has a way of just, throwing those little nightmares at you and testing you.”
A Message for All Ages
“In Your Dreams” stands as much more than just an animated adventure; it’s a vessel of lessons and laughter for both children and parents alike.
Gia Carides, voice of Nightmara, shared her hope for the audience: “I hope the general audience just have a fantastic adventure and a really good time. And if there are any kids out there, who have got something happening in the family, this film shows you that love and support and connection… will get you through anything.”
Through the lens of vivid animation and heartfelt storytelling, “In You Dreams” captures the essence of human experience—imperfection and all—inviting audiences to reflect on their own journeys through life’s dreams and realities.
“In Your Dreams” is available now on Netflix.
