This 98%-Rated Animated Movie Will Break Your Heart & Mend It – Without Saying a Word

In 2023, Robot Dreams, an animated movie by Spanish director Pablo Berger based on the comic book of the same name by Sara Varon, was screened out of competition at Cannes.

It's a rare example of a full-length 2D animated film that operates without a single word – the entire story is told through images, music, and emotion. Robot Dreams is a touching exploration of loneliness, love, and acceptance.

What Is 'Robot Dreams' About?

The story takes place in 1980s New York City, but instead of people, the city is populated by animals. Dog lives in an apartment, heats up pre-cooked meals for dinner, and dreams of having a friend. One day, he orders a new invention, Robot, and assembles it according to the instructions.

They enjoy spending time together, eating hot dogs, dancing in the park, and swimming at the beach. During one of their walks, however, Robot's battery runs out from exposure to water and sun, and Dog is unable to move it.

Summer ends, the beach closes for the season, and Dog loses his faithful companion. However, Robot is still alive. Despite its dead battery, it experiences human emotions and has expressive dreams that seamlessly transition into reality.

'Robot Dreams' Forgoes Dialogue in Favor of Music, Emotion, and a Distinctive Visual Language

Pablo Berger uses music and animation to convey a wide range of emotions, from joy and hope to melancholy and resignation. The scenes of Dog and Robot dancing in the park have become some of the most memorable in modern animation – they are filled with such genuine joy that they will surely make you smile.

Robot's dreams, in which he sees himself in various roles – from a victim of rowing rabbits to a participant in a magical dance with sunflowers – refer to The Wizard of Oz and The Big Lebowski. These dreams demonstrate that even though Robot is paralyzed, he continues to feel, dream, and hope.

Berger creates a world in which every frame is filled with detail and the color scheme and rhythm of the editing enhance the emotional impact.

'Robot Dreams' Is a Story About Heartbreak and Moving On

Robot Dreams is a rare nonverbal experiment whose enthusiasm is sustained by its emotional impact and its unchildlike exploration of relationships. Berger believes that, no matter how tragic separation may seem in the moment, it can have a cumulative, restorative effect.

Alone, Dog eats frozen food, looks for Robot on the street, and unsuccessfully tries to make friends. Robot, in turn, goes through the painful process of realizing that his friend has found new companionship.

This is a film with renewing power that is not limited to animation but uses it as a versatile medium. Dog and Robot could be likened to Mia and Sebastian from La La Land – it's impossible to watch their separation, yet impossible not to love them.

What Did Critics & Viewers Think of 'Robot Dreams'?

• Robot Dreams has 98% from critics and 95% from viewers on Rotten Tomatoes.

• On IMDb, the movie has a score of 7.6/10.

• On Letterboxd, Robot Dreams scored 4.1/5.0.

Where to Watch 'Robot Dreams'?

Robot Dreams is available to stream on Hulu and Disney+.