Movie review
November 7, 2025 · 87 min · PG
Woke Score
Lower is better
Review
The movie has light, background-level representation signaling through its deliberately mixed-race family (Asian dad voiced by Simu Liu, white mom by Cristin Milioti, mixed kids). Creators chose this early for subtle AAPI normalization and to reflect their own backgrounds, making it visible in character designs. The core narrative itself is a standard family adventure about siblings entering dreams to stop their parents' split, learning to accept imperfect real life over fantasy fixes, and bonding as a team. No identity plotlines, no queer themes, no explicit political dialogue, and no activist institutional critiques. Themes stay personal and universal. No major woke backlash or controversy.
Breakdown
These are the editorial factors and ratings behind our score for In Your Dreams.
Woke representation / casting
Light intentional mixed-race family and AAPI voice casting chosen by creators for normalization/representation; visible in designs but naturally fits a modern family premise with zero story mismatch or emphasis.
Woke political dialogue
No reported activist, political, or identity-focused dialogue.
Identity-driven story themes
Pure family/sibling growth story; race, gender, or identity play no role in arcs or messaging.
Western institutional / cultural critique
Mild cautionary take on over-prioritizing personal dreams vs. family reality; personal lesson only, not activist framing on patriarchy, capitalism, or systemic oppression.
Woke character or canon changes
Not relevant (fully original story, no source material or canon).
Anti-woke backlash and complaints
Absent major "too woke" backlash; only fringe/minor conservative notes on family dynamics, not identity politics.
Creator track record context
Pixar/DreamWorks family animation vets with no history of identity-driven or activist projects.
Production
