Netflix has been experiencing a remarkable year in its animation department, with the release of Fixed (https://www.slashfilm.com/1940338/why-animators-pushed-limits-genndy-tartakovsky-fixed/) and KPop Demon Hunters becoming the most-watched Netflix Original Film ever (https://www.slashfilm.com/1927570/kpop-demon-hunters-netflix-most-watched-animated-movie-record/). Now, the studio is set to launch In Your Dreams, a wholly original animated feature featuring Stevie (voiced by Jolie Hoang-Rappaport) and her brother Elliot (Elias Janssen), who embark on a mission to track down the elusive Sandman — a mysterious figure who claims he can make their dreams come true if they find him. Their journey takes them through whimsical and bizarre landscapes inspired by imagination (and the slightly creepier corners of nightmares).
Retention Hook: But here's where it gets controversial... This film promises a unique blend of humor and surreal storytelling, setting it apart from other animated works.
Director’s Journey: Director Alex Woo, making his feature debut, shared his jaw-dropping story of collaborating with animation giants to launch his own film. He explained how In Your Dreams was created after years of brainstorming, with the film loosely inspired by his own childhood experiences. "When I was like six or seven years old, my mom went away for a little bit—" he said. "We banded together and tried all these hare-brained schemes to get our parents back together." This inspiration stems from his belief in the power of family and creativity.
Baloney Tony’s Role: The film’s beloved sidekick, Baloney Tony (voiced by Craig Robinson), is also inspired by Woo’s childhood. "My brother had this stuffed animal with a gross stain on the back," he recalls. "We called it a 'butthole bear' because we imagined the place where the stain was placed." The character symbolizes the subconscious, guiding Stevie and Elliot on their journey.
Production Time: In Your Dreams took 9 years to complete, mirroring the long timelines seen in franchises like Spider-Man Beyond. Kuku Studios, where Woo and Tim Hahn founded, spent their first year developing ideas before launching the film.
Music & Song Details: The film features an original score by John Debney and performances by Simu Liu and Cristin Milioti, who sing an original song. Both have already gained recognition for their roles in Barbie and The Penguin respectively.
Controversy & Reflections: While many praise the film’s success, some may question its approach. For instance, In Your Dreams avoids prioritizing young audiences by emphasizing authenticity over plot-driven storytelling. "I think kids, they wanna know the truth of things, they wanna know the world’s challenges, and the world isn’t always simple," Woo explains. He believes filmmakers should focus on what resonates with the audience rather than pushing boundaries.
AI Inception: Although In Your Dreams does not feature AI, the film highlights the importance of human creativity. "There’s something about the aesthetic that I don’t like, and obviously, the process isn’t very human," Woo notes. He emphasizes that art should reflect the human experience, not just technology.
Release Dates: In Your Dreams will debut on a limited theatrical release on November 7, 2025, before its Netflix version launches on November 14, 2025.
