REVIEW SUMMARY: You might need to adjust your expectations. Netflix’s In Your Dreams features an “A-list” crew sourced from the former Pixar factory, promising an animated masterpiece of innovation. However, if you are anticipating the kind of groundbreaking, soul-touching films like Inside Out or Soul, you will be disappointed. Conversely, if all you need is a gorgeous visual adventure to keep the kids entertained for 90 minutes, this “dreamy” film is exactly what you need.

THE “PIXAR” EXPECTATION AND THE VAGUE HANDSHAKE

Netflix’s latest animated feature, In Your Dreams, is crafted by director/co-writer Alex Woo and Erik Benson—both veterans of Pixar’s legendary story department. Naturally, the pressure and expectation for this product are immense.

Unfortunately, In Your Dreams opts for a safer path, leaning into a predictable, “Afterschool Special”-style message aimed squarely at a younger audience. This is a large-scale family animated film with an arguably original premise, centering on dream worlds and how they interact with children’s real lives.

THE QUEST FOR THE SANDMAN AND A DOSE OF WACKY INGREDIENTS

The heart of the story focuses on 12-year-old Stevie (voiced by Jodie Hoang-Rappaport), a naturally born leader who hits a massive emotional speed bump: the fear that her parents might be splitting up. She ropes in her 8-year-old brother, Elliot, into a bold scheme after discovering The Book Of The Sandman, a mythical creature said to grant dreams.

With the ultimate wish to save her family, the siblings set out to find the Sandman (Omid Djalili). The one caveat? They must dream it together.

The real adventure begins as we witness dazzling, and sometimes slightly chaotic, CGI sequences. From Elliot dreaming of being naked in a shopping mall to Stevie being thrust into a vibrant foodie world where cereals, hot dogs, and French toast are anthropomorphic—this is the film’s most successful and visually stunning sequence.

Crucially, the introduction of Baloney Tony—Elliot’s long-lost, ever-faithful stuffed giraffe, voiced with lively, hipster flair by Craig Robinson—is a major highlight, injecting much-needed humor into their flying bed escapades.

THE “DREAM WORLD” TRAP AND THE EMOTIONAL SHORTFALL

However, the film gets trapped by a core narrative issue: The real-world consequences feel minimized. Since everyone knows we eventually wake up from dreams and nightmares, the actual stakes are never truly high. Woo and Benson’s screenplay only provides a rather flat motivation, in pure Parent Trap fashion, to reconcile their parents (voiced by Simu Liu and Cristin Milioti) during a rough patch.

The problem is the family conflict is handled too gently. It’s merely a minor “friction” point about careers (Mom is considering a professorship, Dad wants to pursue musical dreams), rather than the life-or-death scenario common in most modern animated blockbusters. This leaves the “villain”—Nightmara (Gia Carides) or the domestic strife—feeling opaque and lacking in conquest.

CONCLUSION: WORTHY FOR KIDS, BUT NOT FOR THE DISCERNING ADULT AUDIENCE

The star attraction of In Your Dreams undoubtedly lies in its gorgeous CGI dream sequences, which are sometimes weird, sometimes wild, but always explosive with color. It’s a superb visual feast, perfectly underscored by the classic tune “Mr. Sandman Please Turn On Your Magic Beam – Mr. Sandman Bring Us A Dream.”

In Your Dreams is a perfect movie ticket for families seeking cute, clearly messaged, and visually excellent entertainment for their younger children. But at 1 hour and 26 minutes, adjust your expectations and accept it as a high-quality Netflix product, not the next genre-redefining masterpiece from Pixar.