Simu Liu Slams “False” Happy Family Myth in New Film ‘In Your Dreams’

Star Simu Liu is using his platform to champion a necessary message of realism in the new animated film “In Your Dreams.” The actor, who voices the father, was “fascinated” by the film’s script precisely because it rejects the “false” narrative of the “always happy” family so often seen in media. Liu has been vocal about his feelings, stating “it’s just not true” and emphasizing the deep importance of kids having “imagery of families that aren’t perfect” to relate to.
This commitment to honesty is the backbone of the new adventure-comedy, which lands in theaters this Friday. The film’s core lesson is that “real families fight,” a truth that the film explores with both humor and sensitivity. It’s a bold move for the genre, offering a story that doesn’t shy away from the fact that love and conflict can, and often do, coexist within a family unit.
In the film, Liu’s character is the father of two children, Stevie (played by Jolie Hoang-Rappaport) and Elliot (Elias Janssen). These siblings, witnessing the friction between their parents (Liu and Cristin Milioti), decide to take matters into their own hands. They set off on a magical quest to find The Sandman, hoping he can magically repair their parents’ relationship. The cast also features the comedic talents of Craig Robinson as Baloney Tony.
The film is guided by the experienced hand of director Alex Woo, who previously worked on “Ratatouille.” Woo’s direction ensures the story’s complex emotional core is wrapped in a visually appealing and engaging adventure. A standout moment includes a “beautiful” duet sung by Liu and Milioti, which Milioti praised as a “really great” song, offering a sweet moment of harmony amidst the family’s struggles.
The story’s resolution is what truly sets it apart, avoiding the easy, magical fix the children seek. Instead, the young protagonist Stevie must learn a vital lesson: “there is no magic solution to real-life problems.” This mature conclusion solidifies the film’s status as a refreshingly honest and necessary addition to the family film canon.