New theatrical releases and June special screenings 

• Neon Films

Robot Dreams
Pop culture has unfortunately narrowed the definition for what is considered a "love story," but writer/director Pablo Berger's dialogue-free adaptation of Sara Varon's 2016 graphic novel applies a wonderfully unexpected sophistication to that concept, in addition to its more superficial pleasures. In a vaguely Zootopia-like version of mid-1980s New York City populated by anthropomorphic animals, a lonely Dog sends away for a mail-order Robot as a companion. Then the friendship that the two form is threatened by a forced separation, beginning a year-long odyssey. Berger gets wonderfully playful with the details of his setting—for example, choosing a Bonzo-esque chimpanzee to represent this timeline's version of Ronald Reagan—in addition to the multiple fantasy sequences hinted at by the title, most notably a Busby Berkeley-esque dance sequence in the Land of Oz. But beyond the picture-book aesthetics and fun little in-jokes about the story's time and place, there's a depth of emotion here, both in the idea of how we come to be connected with someone, and how we can choose to move on when those connections are broken. It's one of those rare stories with the maturity to understand that love stories aren't only about who we end up kissing in the final reel, but who leaves a mark on the person we become. Available May 31 in theaters. (PG)

The Dead Don't Hurt
Viggo Mortensen seems fully aware of the dangers of "fridging"—that cinematic trope whereby violence befalling a woman becomes a man's motivation to action—so he wisely subverts it in his sophomore feature as writer/director. Mortensen plays Olsen, a Danish immigrant in mid-19th-century America who meets Vivienne (Vicky Krieps) while traveling in San Francisco. They return together to Nevada, but are separated by Olsen's service in the Union Army during the Civil War, leaving Vivienne to deal with the dangers of the frontier—including the hot-headed son (Solly McLeod) of the local tycoon (Garret Dillahunt). The narrative weaves through three different time frames—flashing back both to Olsen and Vivienne's initial meeting, and to Vivienne's own childhood—and Mortensen and editor Peder Pedersen do a fine job of making it clear where we are without resorting to captions or other obvious signposts. Mostly, Mortensen is interested in the story of a strong-willed woman in a world of male violence, conveying it through Krieps' terrific performance and a backstory that centers her refusal to be seen as powerless. The character drama leaves little room for overt action, and the patience with which Mortensen allows the story to unfold can leave it feeling a bit pokey in the pacing, but it offers a Western that brings a unique perspective without underlining it. Available May 31 at Broadway Centre Cinemas. (R)

JUNE SPECIAL SCREENINGS
Megaplex Theatres Kids' Summer Movies: Throughout the summer, Megaplex Theatres locations offer a lineup of family-friendly films at a great bargain price. A $25 per person season pass allows access to each of the 10 scheduled features, at any location. Scheduled features include Kung Fu Panda, Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon, Despicable Me, Trolls and Sonic the Hedgehog. Additionally, any family receiving SNAP or WIC food benefits can get complimentary admission for one adult and up to five children from the same household at any screening. Dates and times vary by theater location; visit megaplextheatres.com/en/kidsmovies for full schedule.

Salt Lake Film Society Summer Showdown: For the third year, the Salt Lake Film Society invites guests to participate in weekend face-offs between two classic films. Each Friday and Saturday will offer one head-to-head battle, with the winner determined by a combination of tickets sold and donations to SLFS on screening dates. The lineup begins with Ex Machina (May 31) vs. The Matrix (June 1), continuing through Labor Day weekend with Superbad (Sept. 6) vs. SLC Punk! (Sept. 7). For full schedule, visit slfs.org/summershowdown.

Wild & Scenic Film Festival @ Tracy Aviary: Outdoor Auntie and the Utah Film Center's "Black, Bold & Brilliant" program team up with Tracy Aviary to present an evening of short films by and about activists and indigenous issues. The fund-raiser event will support "Black, Bold & Brilliant" and Outdoor Afro National, and ticket purchase of $15 includes Aviary admission. The event takes place Sunday, June 9, with screenings beginning at dusk (approximately 9:15 p.m.); visit wildandscenicfilmfestival.org for full lineup, and tracyaviary.org to purchase tickets.