Robot Dreams is a nice slice of easygoing entertainment, and it’s simple to see why it nabbed a recent Oscar nomination for Best Animated Film.

In an alternate carefree timeline set in 1980s New York City where animals roam like humans (think Zootopia or a peppier version of Netflix’s BoJack Horseman), a lonely pooch vies for companionship. After seeing an infomercial for robots, Dog decides to purchase one with hopes of creating a friendship. The Robot couldn’t be more perfect: it takes an interest in Dog’s pastimes and enjoys the hustle ‘n bustle of the city. A trip to Coney Island bursts their bubbles, however, when taking a dip in the water rusts Robot and renders them stiff. Dog is too late to save his new friend before the beach is closed for the season, but the two eagerly play a waiting game to be reunited the following year.

Robot Dreams is an upbeat albeit bittersweet story about relationships. Audiences may have overwhelmed it’s importance considering how common these themes usually are (last year’s superior Elemental, for instance), but writer/director Pablo Berger (Blancanieves) uses the visual storytelling of this near-silent film very well to convey feelings of longing and self-fulfilment.

When Dog and Robot are separated, Berger’s family-friendly flick resembles a string of related short films. The segmented narrative isn’t disguised as well as it could be, and the film wouldn’t have felt much loss if Berger decided to skip some fantasies and holidays that the pair spend apart. But, all in all, Robot Dreams offers a healthy, lighthearted watch for all audiences.

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Addison Wylie: @AddisonWylie