Key Highlights
- In Your Dreams, a new animated film by Netflix, teaches kids about the imperfections of life and the importance of family support.
- The movie follows siblings Stevie and Elliot as they seek help from the Sandman to make their dreams come true after their parents get divorced.
- Director Alex Woo explains that he wanted to address the reality that not all dreams are realized, teaching viewers how to navigate an imperfect world.
- The film aims to convey messages about expectations versus reality and the support systems available in difficult times.
A New Take on Dreams: Netflix’s In Your Dreams Teaches Life Lessons for Kids
Netflix has released a new animated film, “In Your Dreams,” which aims to teach children valuable life lessons through the lens of dreams and reality. The movie follows Stevie (voiced by Jolie Hoang-Rappaport) and Elliot (Elias Janssen), two siblings who are coping with their parents’ impending divorce.
Stevie and Elliot set out on a journey to find the legendary Sandman, hoping that he can grant their wishes. Their quest takes them through various creative dream worlds, each representing different aspects of their emotions and experiences.
The film is co-directed by Alex Woo and Erik Benson, who have woven together themes of hope, resilience, and the importance of family support.
According to Director Alex Woo, “I made this movie because a lot of the films I grew up on told me that if you work hard enough, you want something badly enough, you can make your dreams come true. And I think sometimes that’s true, but most of the time in life it’s not true.” This sentiment is echoed by Jolie Hoang-Rappaport, who plays Stevie: “Sometimes you can’t realize all of your dreams, and that’s okay. Not everything can be perfect, and that’s perfectly fine.”
Exploring Imperfect Realities
“In Your Dreams” is not just a story about achieving dreams; it delves into the complexities of life when things don’t go according to plan. Erik Benson, co-director, elaborates on this theme: “Expectations versus reality is something we can all relate to. Life throws curveballs that may differ from our idealized narratives.
However, finding support and leaning on your loved ones can help navigate these challenges.”
The film also touches on the concept of disappointment and how it’s a natural part of life. “Stevie learns that not everything is always going to be perfect,” Hoang-Rappaport explains. “But you have family and friends who can support you through all of it. It’s about finding those anchors in your life, no matter the circumstances.”
Family Support as a Lifeline
The movie emphasizes that while dreams may not always come true, having a supportive network around you can make a significant difference. Elliot Janssen, who voices Elliot, adds: “This movie teaches us that things don’t always work out the way we think they should, and that’s okay. There isn’t always a clear path to resolving everything, but family support helps you get through it.”
“In Your Dreams” is set to premiere on Netflix on November 14, 2025, providing an opportunity for families to engage in conversations about life, dreams, and the importance of emotional resilience. The film serves as a reminder that while we may not always achieve our goals, the love and support from those around us can help us navigate the imperfect world.
