Robot dreams (2023) 🐶🤖

 

No words!

   Picture this: New York City in the 1980s populated by anthropomorphic animals, “September” by Earth, Wind and Fire plays on the radio, and a lonely dog named DOG is self-absorbed and confined to his apartment, oblivious to the outside world. Under consumerism and the desire to have a companion, he decides to build one, ROBOT.

DOG on couch

   Overflowing with enthusiasm to learn more about each other, they embark on an adventure through the streets of New York. A wordless adventure where actions and expressions highlight the growing connection between our two characters. Loaded with references from the culture at that time, they serve as a tribute to classic moments that discreetly indicate to us that each shared story speaks on behalf of the film, the characters, and the plot.

DOG and ROBOT sharing hot dogs

   Since then their friendship became an unbreakable bond, but the tragicomedy begins one fateful summer afternoon on the beach. Without realizing the danger that water poses for ROBOT, DOG unconsciously drags him into what would be the obstacle to what could have been a perfect relationship. Stranded in the sand without movement, the innocent ROBOT dreams positive hypothetical scenarios and hopes that someday DOG will find a solution to the forced separation from him. Seasons go by, autumn brings fatigue, winter cools feelings and when spring arrives we can perceive the great gap between them that gradually turns into a resounding oblivion.

Scene before tragedy

   From this moment on, the following paragraphs may be spoilers, fortunately, I will end the review here. But if someone thinks that there will be a predictable happy ending, they might get surprised with a twist that will remind us of the end of LaLaLand, in the fact of admitting that life can take many turns, but that there will always be the pleasant memory of what we share.

   Pablo Berger's film evokes everything is ephemeral, at the end, it is just those good memories that truly fill the heart. In some cases loving is not trying but also knowing how to let go and celebrate the memory of the ones you loved. Their relationship is a mundane reflection of our own friendships/relationships. Sometimes the most meaningful connections can be cut short by unavoidable circumstances.

RATE: 4/5

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The beauty of the film lies in not justifying or explaining everything. It allows us to imagine and feel, leaving room for personal interpretation.