“Do you remember?”
These are not only the opening lyrics to Earth, Wind & Fire’s “September,” the dance-pop hit that continues to be celebrated every 21st of September, but also what writer-director Pablo Berger inquires of his audience in Robot Dreams, which heavily features and remixes the infectiously funky bop to great effect. It all begins with a choreographed rollerblading routine between two new best friends, the lonely Dog and the wide-eyed Robot, whom Dog has built in a desperate bid for company. As the two bust a move to the infectiously funky beat, they firmly implant a core memory. It’s a moment anyone can understand as more than just a budding friendship, but the first moment a relationship begins to form meaning.
The original song is an ode to burgeoning young love but, more importantly, the nostalgia of memory, both of which Berger channels into his own ode to powerful relationships of all kinds. The director’s first foray into animation, an adaptation of Sara Veron’s adorably devastating graphic novel, is an exploration of the impact we all have on each other and how we choose to remember those who have affected us. Even as the passage of time leaves our most cherished memories to fade, Berger asks the audience, “do you remember?” Do you remember those who changed you?
These are ideas bordering on existentialism, far from what one expects from a movie starring an anthropomorphic Dog and his Robot, certainly not one with little to no dialogue. However, that is Berger’s sneaky way of hooking audiences into his quietly poignant story. He frames the story in a family-friendly aesthetic – specifically an approachable 2D style with calming color palettes and thick line work – so that he can catch you off-guard by the harsh realities of his fable. After a fun day at the beach, Dog is forced to abandon Robot when the water leaves him rusted and immovable. Suddenly, this buddy comedy has quickly morphed into a buddy tragedy. Dog attempts to come back for Robot, but the world is unkind to his attempts.
The world in question is 1980s New York City, Berger’s largest deviation from Veron’s novel, but it adds countless layers of texture to the original story. It’s a lovingly detailed rendering, numerous different animals standing in for the city’s diverse neighborhoods and boroughs. However, it’s also a source of obstacles for the main characters. After all, New York City always seems exciting until it proves to be full of many jaded, self-interested parties, from individual people to larger bureaucratic institutions. In ways this review won’t spoil, Dog and Robot are both thrown through the emotional ringer by a society that seems determined to keep them apart. Many would call the city a protagonist, but it functions more strongly as an antagonist.
That said, their greatest enemy proves to be time – time spent apart, time spent trying to fill the void, time spent moving on. Dog resorts to attempting to find new friends while Robot is left dreaming of ways to return to Dog, only to be discovered by other beach passersby. Their individual journeys are both compelling, especially the more stagnant and innocent Robot, who goes through a surrealist journey in determining his own desires. However, even in the major changes they experience, they both never forget each other, and that’s what makes the story shine. Their relationship is not just chalked up to experience, but made an indelible piece of their experiences.
Berger’s entire film is well designed from top-to-bottom, from the simple but effective animation to the glorious sound design and charming needle drops. Though its entire construction is fairly straightforward, prompting criticisms from some that this story fits the short film format more than a feature, this transparency only makes its long-form storytelling more sincere and affecting. By its arresting crescendo of an ending, Robot Dreams proves that animation is truly capable of anything, including a story that balances modern whimsy with stunning maturity.
Though children will surely find their butts in their local theater’s seats for this latest animated affair, adults will surely find just as much to love, if not more, for the center of Berger’s film is, as coined by critic Roger Ebert, a dazzling and timeless “empathy machine.” Both groups would be so lucky to experience such a wonderful story together, one that you’ll surely remember.
Robot Dreams had its North American premiere as part of the Centrepiece section of the 2023 Toronto International Film Festival. It is slated to be released in North America on a date yet to be announced, courtesy of NEON.
Director: Pablo Berger
Writer: Pablo Berger
Rated: NR
Runtime: 101m
The charming, if painful, story of Robot and Dog is a beautiful empathy machine fueled by gorgeous animation, impeccable sound design, and the power of memory.
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GVN Rating 8
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Larry Fried is a filmmaker, writer, and podcaster based in New Jersey. He is the host and creator of the podcast “My Favorite Movie is…,” a podcast dedicated to helping filmmakers make somebody’s next favorite movie. He is also the Visual Content Manager for Special Olympics New Jersey, an organization dedicated to competition and training opportunities for athletes with intellectual disabilities across the Garden State.