Netflix’s ambitious bet on original animated content has delivered both triumphs and misfires, and the release of “In Your Dreams” lands closer to the latter, according to critics and audiences alike.
Directed by Pixar veterans Alex Woo and Erik Benson and produced by Kuku Studios, this film had the pedigree to enchant viewers, but instead presented a plodding narrative that rarely finds its spark.
The story follows Stevie and Elliot, siblings who venture into the realm of dreams hoping to persuade the Sandman to help fix their troubled family life, a premise loaded with possibility.
Yet, reviews note that despite the expertise behind the scenes, the film’s execution borrows heavily from the “Pixar formula” without transcending it.
Animation fans may be drawn by references to iconic musical scenes featuring Eurythmics’ “Sweet Dreams” and Metallica’s “Enter Sandman,” but such moments fail to paper over the movie’s lack of creative risk.
While the animated dreamworld sports some detailed visual flourishes down to the textures on characters’ clothing and imaginative, surreal set pieces, the focus on style leaves little room for meaningful story beats and character growth.
For a platform eager to claim its space in the animation world, Netflix’s investment in original projects like Sergio Pablos’ “Klaus” and Guillermo del Toro’s “Pinocchio” has set a high bar.
“In Your Dreams,” by contrast, seems content to take safe leaps in narrative and aesthetic that ultimately fail to resonate, leaving viewers wishing for more than basic laughs and cozy family moments.
Section Two: “Audience Reaction: Too Safe to Matter or a Hidden Family Gem?”
Critical response to “In Your Dreams” has been sharply divided, with some praising the film’s suitability for a family streaming night while others lament its lack of ambition.
Parents looking for wholesome entertainment may appreciate a story that avoids the tiresome trope of “one missing parent” and instead presents a relatable sibling dynamic without high-stakes tragedy.
The rapport between Stevie and Elliot, brought to life by Jolie Hoang-Rappaport and Elias Janssen, is curated for gentle humor and easy heartstring-tugging, with supporting talent like Craig Robinson adding adult-friendly comic relief.
In Your Dreams (Credit: Netflix)
The dreamworld itself is packed with peculiar touches, anthropomorphic breakfast foods, quirky nightmares nodding to other pop culture franchises, and plenty of slapstick to keep younger audiences involved.
For children, these imaginative distractions may suffice, but older viewers and animation aficionados have noted the narrative’s uneven pacing and a reluctance to dig deep into the emotional core it hints at.
Themes of family, change, and compromise are introduced but rarely explored with nuance, leaving the film’s earnestness feeling unearned.
Across social platforms, reactions have ranged from praise for the film’s visual polish to disappointment at its inability to engage with its ideas memorably. Some parent reviewers found enough charm for a fun evening, even as critics called out the “juvenile jokes” and a “forgettable, unimaginative” final product.
The flick’s PG rating and modest runtime make it a tempting option for families seeking light entertainment, and for those less concerned with narrative complexity, the film can provide some harmless, if fleeting, fun.
Section Three: “Is Creative Stagnation the Cost of Algorithm-Driven Content?”
As Netflix continues to prioritize volume over innovation in its release schedule, films like “In Your Dreams” highlight the potential risks of a production model built on streaming convenience and broad accessibility.
The movie’s release aligns with a growing critique that some Netflix animation is tailored for algorithmic appeal rather than genuine creative vision, leading to work that is technically proficient but creatively subdued.
Despite strong technical credentials and the backing of animation specialists, reviewers have noted that “In Your Dreams” lacks the imaginative depth or emotional resonance that defines animated classics from competing studios.
The streaming giant’s push to fill out its catalog with family-friendly fare may be effective at increasing minutes watched, but it comes at the cost of memorable, daring storytelling.
For industry watchers, this raises questions about whether future Netflix animated features will push boundaries or recycle formulas that guarantee safe returns but leave a smaller cultural footprint.
Relevant comparisons to previous Netflix hits serve as reminders that there is room for risk and artistry on the platform. The critical successes of “Klaus” and “Pinocchio” proved that audiences are hungry for animation that blends technical greatness with heart and innovation.
With mixed reviews and muted public buzz surrounding “In Your Dreams,” Netflix finds itself at a crossroads: the challenge ahead will be to balance the scale of its output with the uniqueness viewers seek when they settle in for a streaming night.
Peas and Carrots begins like a fairly conventional teenage coming-of-age story centered on Joey Wethersby, a sixteen-year-old New Yorker whose parents were part of a 1990s one-hit-wonder band. Joey persuades her parents to regroup into a new band, sparking her journey towards artistic and personal discovery.
But this seemingly straightforward plot quickly twists into an often baffling high school fantasy that struggles to find its footing.
The film shifts between Joey’s real-world family dynamics and surreal, alternate-dimension scenes where dialogue is limited to the repetitive phrase “peas and carrots,” an odd choice that neither clarifies nor enhances the story.
This linguistic constraint generates moments of odd humor but mostly results in stilted and awkward exchanges that hinder audience connection.
Critics and viewers alike note how the film’s premise, while inventive, leads to a confusing narrative. The balance between typical teen drama elements and the bizarre fantasy sequences feels uneven, with the story struggling to maintain momentum.
Some praise goes to lead actress Kirrilee Berger, whose portrayal of Joey carries authenticity and relatable teenage energy. She effectively expresses the frustration and confusion her character experiences, making her performance a standout amid the film’s awkwardness.
Unfortunately, her charm alone cannot fully compensate for the script’s patchy execution and the film’s inability to smoothly integrate its imaginative concept with effective storytelling.
Surreal Storytelling Meets Unfulfilled Potential
The film attempts to be more than just a teen drama by embedding surreal, dreamlike sequences where Joey is transported nightly to an alternate reality. This world is inhabited by characters who communicate almost exclusively using three fixed words: “peas,” “and,” and “carrots.”
The idea seems to symbolize communication barriers and deeper emotional disconnects within Joey’s family and herself. Yet, the execution leaves audiences puzzled rather than enlightened. These segments often feel disconnected and stilted, breaking the narrative flow instead of complementing the real-world story.
Some viewers might appreciate the film as a kind of experimental family musical comedy blending existential themes with light humor and music. The soundtrack and musical performances, including contributions from notable figures like Marky Ramone, attempt to add vibrancy and cultural texture to the film.
Peas And Carrots (Credit: Black Sand Pictures)
But ultimately, the surreal elements create confusion, disrupting any emotional engagement. The script’s refusal to explain or contextualize the fantasy dimension leaves many questions unanswered, frustrating viewers hoping for clearer thematic insight or character development.
The comedy, described as subtle and dry by some, offers occasional relief but is overshadowed by the film’s awkward pacing and dialogue. Meanwhile, the family’s interpersonal tension and Joey’s journey toward self-expression get little room to grow beneath the script’s quirks.
The film’s ambition to mix multi-generational entertainment with a strange logic may intrigue niche audience members, yet for most, it feels like the story never reaches a satisfying resolution or meaningful emotional payoff.
What This Means for Viewers and the Film’s Future
Peas and Carrots leaves audiences with mixed feelings. While it contains elements that showcase potential, such as Kirrilee Berger’s engaging lead performance and a few clever musical moments, the experience is muddled by a confusing story and dialogue that often feels forced or unnatural.
The film’s attempt to blend high school drama with abstract fantasy comes across as disjointed, limiting its appeal to a broader audience.
Its theatrical release was limited, and the film is likely to find most of its viewers through streaming and home video, where more patient audiences might appreciate its offbeat nature without the pressure of the big screen expectations.
Fans of experimental cinema or surrealistic narratives may find some value in the film’s bold approach, but for viewers seeking a coherent, emotionally resonant story, Peas and Carrots is more frustrating than fulfilling.
The film also teases potential future developments with a post-credits scene that some feel should have been expanded to explore romantic or familial storylines more deeply.
This hint at a sequel or continuation leaves open the possibility that the filmmakers might refine the story and tone in upcoming projects. However, whether they can overcome the current film’s narrative shortcomings remains an open question.
Peas and Carrots is a perplexing film with undeniable ambition but flawed execution. It’s awkward high school fantasy and stilted dialogue create a confusing mix that alienates as often as it intrigues, making it a difficult watch for many but possibly an intriguing curiosity for others who value unique, risky storytelling ventures.
