In a vibrant 1980s New York City populated by anthropomorphic animals, Dog is lonely, cooped up in his small apartment. Inspired by a TV infomercial, he orders a robot for friendship. On arrival, Robot shows a winning personality, and soon Dog and Robot are closest pals. Then, on an innocent trip to the beach in late summer, Robot gets rusted and paralyzed after swimming. Dog can’t move him or even come back for him, since the beach is closing for the season. Will Dog and Robot’s special friendship survive this forced separation?

Berger’s gentle, charming fable about love and loss achieves wonders without words. The film has no dialogue, instead using subtle expressions, inspired sound design and vivid, often rousing music to carry the day. The tale itself may sound slight, but Berger’s colorful, offbeat world, populated by dreams and fantasy, is captivating, and the film delivers unexpected pathos and wisdom, examining the age-old debate about whether it’s better to have loved and lost. Oscar-nominated for best animated feature, “Robot Dreams” wins my vote, hands-down.