I watched In Your Dreams on Netflix this morning, and it genuinely surprised me. Going in, I expected another derivative kids’ film padding out the catalogue. What I got instead was something that handles family complexity with actual nuance whilst remaining thoroughly entertaining.
What Makes It Work
The film tackles something most children’s media glosses over: families aren’t perfect, and adults struggle with their own problems. When Elliot asks “are we poor?” after seeing neighbours with pools, it captures that universal childhood moment of suddenly questioning your place in the world without understanding the full picture. Every kid has asked some version of this question when reality doesn’t match what they see around them.
The story stays wholesome throughout, though a couple of moments might be too intense for very young viewers. I’d put this at 6 plus minimum, but there’s genuinely no upper limit. Adults watching alone will find plenty to appreciate alongside the broader family audience.
The Humour Balance
What impressed me most was the layered comedy. There are sophisticated jokes for adults, emotional beats that land properly, and yes, laser fart gags for the kids. It’s a proper spectrum that never feels forced or pandering to any particular age group.
The influences are obvious. Inside Out’s fingerprints are visible in the concept, and Baloney Tony is basically the giraffe version of Donkey from Shrek (they’re even selling plush versions of him through Netflix’s shop). But these borrowed elements don’t diminish what the film achieves. It stands on its own merits, despite wearing its inspirations openly.
Worth Your Time
This isn’t groundbreaking cinema, but it’s solidly crafted family entertainment that respects its audience. Whether you’re watching with children or just want something well-made that doesn’t require heavy investment, In Your Dreams delivers. Netflix needed a proper family film in their line-up, and for once, they’ve produced something that feels genuine rather than calculated.
