By: Warren Shiu, Staff Writer
On September 27th of this year, DreamWorks Animation released The Wild Robot, a film based on the best-selling novel by Peter Brown. Since its theatrical debut, the movie has grossed over $200 million worldwide and holds an impressive 98% critics score on Rotten Tomatoes. Featuring Lupita Nyong’o as Roz, the titular character, and Pedro Pascal as her companion Fink the Fox, the voice acting truly brings the characters to life.
In this latest offering from director Chris Sanders, known for Mulan (1998) and How to Train Your Dragon (2010), emotions and stakes reach an all-time high. Roz the robot awakens alone on an island after a terrible storm throws her and her family of robots off course. Surrounded by nature and wildlife, she is initially deemed a “monster” by the island’s inhabitants, yet she learns to adapt and survive. Aiding her in this journey is Fink, a clever fox who teaches her the ways of the island. Together, they face various challenges, with Fink helping Roz navigate the intricate relationships among the island’s creatures.
As Roz embarks on her new role, she displays immense compassion, especially after adopting a runt gosling named Brightbill (Kit Connor). Caring for him becomes her primary focus, as she teaches him to eat, swim, and fly before migration season, by when he must leave the island to survive. By the end of the film, Roz’s relationship with Brightbill is not only heartwarming but also showcases her growth in caring for all the animals on the island. Her transformation from a non-feeling machine to a nurturing mother is beautifully depicted, illustrating the depth of her character development throughout the story.
Watching The Wild Robot deeply moved me, bringing me to the verge of tears several times. It was incredibly touching to see a robot embrace motherhood and genuinely care for her adopted son, helping him grow. As an adopted child, I found Brightbill’s journey with Roz particularly resonant, reminding me that even though my birth parents may be out there, I feel no need to search for them—my family now is all I need. This emotional connection enriched my viewing experience, making the transformation of Roz and Brightbill’s relationship all the more impactful. The voice acting was outstanding; Lupita Nyong’o brilliantly captures Roz’s evolution from a robotic being to a nurturing figure filled with maternal instincts. Meanwhile, Pascal as Fink adds great depth, perfectly complementing the story and enhancing its emotional core.
The film’s animation is stellar, creating the sensation of watching a painting come to life and fully immersing me in the vibrant world of the island. I appreciated the unique touches in the adaptation, such as Roz giving Brightbill his name instead of a side character, which was a refreshing departure from the book. Additionally, Fink’s expanded role enriched the narrative, introducing more dynamics that kept the story engaging rather than solely focusing on Roz and Brightbill’s relationship. Overall, the film adapted the story well, capturing all major plot points. While some details were omitted, they didn’t detract from the overall experience.
The Wild Robot continues the legacy of strong DreamWorks films like Kung Fu Panda, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, and Shrek. Much like these beloved movies, it blends humor with heartfelt storytelling, capturing the essence of what makes DreamWorks Animation special. The film showcases the studio’s knack for crafting characters and narratives that resonate with audiences of all ages. Social media reactions have been overwhelmingly positive, with many praising the film’s emotional depth and musical score. In this way, The Wild Robot preserves DreamWorks’ legacy while adding a fresh chapter to its collection of animated gems.
As The Wild Robot heads into awards season, it’s generating buzz for potential nominations, particularly for Best Animated Feature. The film’s stunning visuals also make it a strong contender for Best Visual Effects. If it can maintain its momentum, The Wild Robot could make a significant impact during the Oscars this year. With a sequel already in the works and the film currently available for streaming, I wholeheartedly recommend watching it. It’s a heartwarming experience that captures the magic of storytelling, making it perfect for audiences of all ages.
