Twice Upon a Time

The story unfolds in a timeless, fantasy setting rather than a specific historical period. Time is governed by a Cosmic Clock that can wind tight or freeze, shaping how the Rushers experience their day. When the spring is released, time briefly shifts, allowing the characters to chase dreams across Din. The narrative uses this fluid time to explore heroism and imagination.

Din is a busy, black-and-white city where Rushers move at a breakneck pace under the Cosmic Clock. It sits between two dream-creating realms: Frivoli, a bright realm where Greensleeves and the Figs craft pleasant dreams, and Murkworks, a dark factory where nightmare bombs are born. The city’s rhythm is defined by speed and routine, interrupted only by rare awakenings from sleep. The contrast between light Frivoli and dark Murkworks drives the film’s conflicts.

🌗 Dream vs Nightmare

Din is split between Frivoli, a place of bright dreams, and Murkworks, a factory of nightmares. The plot pivots on preserving the dream-energy Greensleeves and his Figs against Botch’s nightmare bombs. Ralph and Mumford must outsmart deception, discover their own courage, and repair the balance between dream and fear. The Fairy Godmother’s aid and the SOS signal drive the heroes toward restoring harmony.

🦸 Heroism

Two misfits—Ralph and Mumford—prove themselves through perseverance rather than luck. They start as reluctant dreamers and, after facing traps and misunderstandings, choose to act with courage. Flora Fauna’s search for Greensleeves aligns with the pair’s evolving sense of purpose. Their growth shows that true heroism comes from teamwork, resilience, and choosing right over comfort.

🕰️ Time and Destiny

The Cosmic Clock governs what Rushers can do, making time itself a character. When time freezes and later restarts, the heroes’ actions ripple across Din, Frivoli, and Murkworks. The clock’s timing tests the limits of imagination and courage, rewarding those who dare to act rather than wait. The outcome suggests that time can bend to protect dreams when people choose to act with heart.