We don’t often see the release of an Oscar-nominated animated movie released in theaters after the Academy Awards ceremonies had aired (there are, of course, outliers), as most studios want to capitalize on the buzz of a nomination. But “Robot Dreams” is breaking with tradition as the Spanish/French animation pic is heading to the big screen next month. The movie that made the film festival circuit last year focuses on a Robot and Dog’s budding relationship in Manhattan during 1984, a unique premise and setting. NEON has released a new trailer for “Robot Dreams” that hails from writer/director Pablo Berger and should make the case why it’s been wowing everyone who has been able to experience it.
NEON’s official logline for “Robot Dreams” reads as follows:
Dog lives in Manhattan, and he’s tired of being alone. One day, he decides to build himself a robot and a companion. Their friendship blossoms until they become inseparable, to the rhythm of 80’s NYC. One summer night, DOG, with great sadness, is forced to abandon ROBOT at the beach.
READ MORE: ‘Robot Dreams’ Review: Pablo Berger Animates A Vivid Love Story [Cannes]
“Robot Dreams” was previously screened at the Cannes Film Festival last year, and you can read The Playlist’s review of the acclaimed animated pic right here. Our critic, Robert Daniels, said of the “stunning” movie in 2023, “Its radiant colors and lucid conception of vulnerability in the face of a largely inconsiderate world sink deep beneath the skin in the liminal space between the soul and the heart that can make animation such a wondrous medium.”
“Robot Dreams” is based on the 2007 comic of the same name by Sara Varon. And don’t look for voice actors to name; the unique film features no dialogue but sounds whimsically entertaining.
The highly-anticipated animated movie will make its theatrical debut on May 31, with NEON handling the film’s domestic distribution.