Need help making a decision.

I Have M A N Y Ideas c:

You can probably pull off both Have realistic characters with a slightly cartoony look to it.

The thing is work with what dreams can do. Or make a extra set of the character for just the cutscene with more facial opions within the design

Oh man, I love that you explained the issue so well. This is such an important aspect of design, and a common problem in indie games. My advice would be forget realism, try a stylized and 'mature' approach, and be consistent. Love to talk more about this