Family Time: The Oscar-nominated buddy movie that might have passed you by

One day he decides to build himself a companion, Robot.

Their friendship blossoms, and they become inseparable, together exploring the sights and sounds of 1980s New York.

But one summer night, Dog, with great sadness, is forced to abandon Robot at the beach.

Will they ever meet again?

Based on the popular graphic novel by Sara Varon, and the first animation from Spanish director Pablo Berger, Robot Dreams is a dialogue-free love story about friendship – its importance, meaning and fragility.

Wise and wistful, charming and often sharply humorous, with evocative sound design and a lovely soundtrack (including joyous use of Earth, Wind & Fire’s dance-floor filler ‘September’), it’s full of nods to silent cinema classics.

Robot Dreams is rated PG, and is recommended for older children as it contains mild rude humour.

Family Time screenings are relaxed and feature Hard of Hearing subtitles (where possible) and low-level lighting for accessibility and comfort for all.

All tickets are £6.

Films including Hard of Hearing Subtitles include the ‘S’ badge.

This film also features as part of our Animation for All programme.

Inspired by the abundance of incredible animated films coming to Showroom’s screens in 2026, Animation for All is a mini-season running throughout February and March celebrating the bold, beautiful, boundary pushing works.

The programme challenges expectations of animation as a childish form of cinema – with films as funny, heartbreaking, and challenging as any other.

Robot Dreams screens on Saturday February 14 at 11am.

Book now on https://showroomcinema.org.uk/film/family-time-robot-dreams

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