Anna Daniels
In Your Dreams, Netflix makes dreams a reality—literally
First and foremost, the latest “what‑if dreams became real” film might feel familiar—think of Inception, Slumberland, or Pixar’s Dream Productions. However, this one resonates with genuine emotion. Directed by Alex Woo, alongside co-director Erik Benson, the trailer—unveiled on June 12 at Annecy—will awaken your imagination: featuring zombie pancakes, witty giraffes, and a nightmare queen that’s surprisingly relatable.
Sibling dynamics through dream logic
Stevie (12) and Elliot (8), voiced by Jolie Hoang‑Rappaport and Elias Janssen, embark on a journey through chaotic dream worlds. Their mission? To find the Sandman (Omid Djalili) and heal their fractured family. This narrative blends wish fulfillment with emotional depth. “Starting this project… I didn’t anticipate the depth of the emotional performances,” Woo shares, particularly highlighting the contributions of talented actors such as Simu Liu and Craig Robinson.
The significance of this film
- Netflix’s animation initiative: Debuted during the Annecy event on June 12, Netflix is heavily investing in family-focused spectacles, alongside titles such as Stranger Things: Tales from ’85 and The Twits.
- Animation expertise: Developed in collaboration with Kuku Studios and Sony Imageworks, the project promises vibrant and fluid visuals that serve as a canvas for Woo and Benson’s surreal concepts.
- John Debney’s music: Recognized for his work on Hocus Pocus and The Jungle Book, Debney’s score has the ability to transform the bizarre into something heartfelt.
Cast and characters
- Jolie Hoang‑Rappaport voices Stevie
- Elias Janssen portrays Elliot
- Simu Liu as Dad, Craig Robinson as Baloney Tony, Cristin Milioti as Mom
- Gia Carides as the Queen of Nightmares, Djalili as the Sandman, along with SungWon Cho and Zachary Noah Piser
Release timeline
- Teaser preview: June 12, 2025 at Annecy
- Limited theatrical debut: November 7, 2025
- Streaming launch: November 14, 2025 on Netflix
Final thoughts…or perhaps nightmares?
This film transcends the typical dream narrative—it is a tale of siblings interwoven with existential exploration. It poses the question: can fantasy mend real-life fractures? The trailer teases this idea without providing a definitive answer, perhaps making In Your Dreams even more captivating—it promises the bizarre, the touching, and the profoundly human experience.
Is it worth watching?
If you yearn for animated family films that are both bold and sincere—those that evoke powerful emotions—this film should definitely be on your radar.
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