‘Real Families Fight’: New Netflix Film ‘In Your Dreams’ Gets Honest

A new Netflix animated film, “In YourDreams,” is earning praise for its commitment to emotional honesty, a sentiment echoed by its star, Simu Liu. The film, opening in theaters Friday, is an adventure-comedy that follows two children trying to magically save their parents’ marriage. Its core message, however, is that “real families fight.”
This very idea is what drew Simu Liu to the project. The ‘Shang-Chi’ actor explained that he was tired of the “false” depiction of “always happy, always smiling” families in children’s media. “It’s just not true,” Liu said, adding, “I think it’s important that kids have imagery of families that aren’t perfect.” He and Cristin Milioti voice the parents at the center of the conflict.
The plot, conceived by director Alex Woo (a Pixar veteran), follows siblings Stevie (Jolie Hoang-Rappaport) and Elliot (Elias Janssen). They venture into a fantasy world to find The Sandman, believing he has the power to fix their family’s problems. This quest is filled with adventure and humor, thanks in part to Craig Robinson as the stuffed animal Baloney Tony.
Despite the fantastical premise, the film remains grounded in its emotional truth. A highlight described by Emmy winner Cristin Milioti is a duet she performs with Liu. This song captures a “beautiful moment” of harmony for the struggling couple, reminding the audience what is at stake. The animation for the film was provided by Sony Pictures Imageworks.
The film’s conclusion is what sets it apart. Instead of a magical fix, the protagonist Stevie finds a more mature understanding. As Hoang-Rappaport described, Stevie learns that “there is no magic solution to real-life problems” and that she can’t “fix this on my own.” The film validates the reality of family conflict, offering a comforting, honest message to children.