Ever since we saw Pablo Berger’s Robot Dreams at TIFF last year, it feels like we’ve had a semi-monthly occasion to yell from the digital mountaintops about just how fucking great this movie is. And it’s true — unlike many of its more formally accomplished or acclaimed or serious counterparts, this simple story set in an incredibly complex little world has stuck to us like glue, and not a day goes by when we don’t think about it in some way. Chalk it up to festival brain or whatever, but we genuinely know we’re not alone on this, based on some of the accolades it’s chalked up from fellow viewers. Anyhow, NEON’s dropped the first teaser trailer for the movie, and you should take a minute out of your very busy Thursday to check it out.
Peep it:
In lieu of a detailed synopsis from NEON, here’s how the movie was described in the TIFF 2023 program:
“Please be seated and enjoy one of the best animated films of the year, as Spanish director Pablo Berger — last at the Festival with ‘Blancanieves’ (’12), his surprising black-and-white take on Snow White — returns with an enthralling, dialogue-free story about the miracle of true friendship and what the end of a platonic relationship feels like.
The hand-drawn film, based on the 2007 graphic novel by Sara Varon, is set in New York City in the 1980s. Paradoxically, the city’s relentless flow of activity can make for rather lonely lives, such as the one the quiet, composed Dog leads. But when Dog orders Robot from a TV sales channel and assembles him, he brings to life a kind, strong, and flexible buddy with a great smile and incredibly expressive eyes. Their instant, honest bond allows them to enjoy an unforgettable summer together to the beat of Earth, Wind & Fire’s funky ‘September,’ only to be involuntarily separated at the beach after a day of underwater antics.
Unable to figure out a way to take Robot home with him, Dog leaves his dear friend behind. The seasons pass and, after countless failed efforts to reconnect, Dog tries to find new friends and has some success, while Robot has no choice but to dream of more ideal situations. They move on with their lives out of necessity.
Suitable for every family member, the beauty of this jewel of a film is its reminder of the good fortune of having a caring pal, even if it’s only for a brief time.”
Robot Dreams will hit theaters at some point in the next few months, but we loved it so much we might just have to put it on our 2024 best-of-the-year list as well. Seriously, it’s just that good.