Netflix has released the first trailer for Alex Woo’s highly anticipated animated feature, “In Your Dreams,” offering a tantalizing glimpse into a world where the line between reality and imagination is hilariously blurred. From the director behind inventive and visually playful projects, Woo’s latest promises a story that is equal parts heartfelt and absurdly inventive, blending family dynamics with fantastical adventure in a way that feels both whimsical and emotionally resonant.
The film centers on Stevie (Jolie Hoang-Rappaport) and her younger brother Elliot (Elias Janssen), two siblings who, frustrated with the tension at home, find themselves thrust into the most unexpected of journeys—the landscapes of their own dreams. What begins as a surreal adventure quickly becomes a wild and unpredictable odyssey, as the children navigate a world where the rules of logic and physics are fluid, and anything can happen. From sentient, sarcastic objects to bizarre, even slightly terrifying dreamscapes, the story thrives on its creative chaos.
Among the more eccentric inhabitants of this dreamworld is a snarky stuffed giraffe voiced by Craig Robinson. This irreverent character provides comic relief while also serving as an unconventional guide for Stevie and Elliot, offering advice that is often unhelpful yet strangely insightful. The children also encounter zombified breakfast foods, blending horror and humor in a sequence that captures the film’s playful tone and appeals to both kids and adults who enjoy clever, offbeat animation.
The two are on a quest to meet the Sandman, and embark on a journey that takes them to meet some interesting characters like the queen of nightmares, whose whims and challenges test Stevie and Elliot’s courage, cleverness, and sibling bond. The Sandman is a visually striking figure, embodying both curiosity and mystery, and his presence elevates the stakes in this already unpredictable adventure. Woo’s design choices here highlight a rich, imaginative aesthetic that makes the dream world feel alive, dangerous, and endlessly inventive, offering audiences a feast for the eyes as well as the imagination.
At the heart of In Your Dreams is a deeply relatable story about family and longing. Stevie and Elliot’s journey is not just about surviving absurd dream sequences; it’s a quest to restore a sense of unity at home. Their parents, portrayed by Cristin Milioti and Simu Liu, are on the brink of separation, leaving the siblings yearning for the perfect family they once knew. The narrative cleverly balances its comedic and fantastical elements with this emotional core, ensuring that audiences are invested not only in the characters’ adventures but also in their hopes, fears, and the ultimate question of what makes a family truly “perfect.”
In Your Dreams is schedule to begin streaming exclusively on Netflix on November 14, 2025.
