Robot Dreams (2023)

Set in a New York City populated by animals with human traits, we meet a dog who lives a rather solitary existence. Addicted to microwavable mac 'n cheese, he catches a glimpse of a couple in the apartment block opposite and that makes him feel a little lonesome. A timely ad on the television, though, suggests he buy a robot pal. An huge great box duly arrives and a Meccano project that might have daunted Da Vinci ensues. Success! Soon the pair are bonding nicely and a trip to the beach proves great fun. The problem? Well, the robot then seizes up. Lack of power. The dog rushes home to get a repair kit only to find his return barred by gates and padlocks. It's the end of the season and he cannot return til June! He tries a few wheezes to get to his friend, but thwarted he must accept the inevitable and wait. It's whilst he is waiting that we are introduced to the dreams of the robot as he lies paralysed on the sand. Simple dreams. Nothing too aspirational, but they help him while away the time as the rain, snow, sand - and a few unkindly visitors pepper his inactivity. Meantime, our canine friend must also try to get on with his life - and perhaps unsurprisingly, he dreams too. The denouement is not what I was expecting - and I found that created quite a touching, plausible even, scenario which I think you'll appreciate when you see it. It's a film about friendship, longing and resilience that's well enough animated and though you do have to suspend a degree of practicality when watching, it does offer quite a poignant look how we build, sustain and move on from relationships and is really well worth seeing on the big screen.