As the animated robot genre gears up this September, we’ve navigated through the not-so-great (Transformers One) and now find ourselves in delightful territory with The Wild Robot. During my recent screening, the theater buzzed with laughter and cheers, making it clear that families were coming together to enjoy this charming tale.
“The Wild Robot’ Review
Lupita Nyong’o voices Roz, a robot designed to assist on a distant space colony. But when her delivery goes awry, she finds herself stranded on a remote island on Earth. With no humans around to guide her, Roz turns to the local wildlife for help. This sets the stage for a touching, humorous exploration of communication and connection across species.
Roz’s initial interactions with the island’s animals are rocky. They’re understandably wary of her metallic frame and clumsy demeanor. A bear named Thorn (voiced by Mark Hamill) even attacks her, leading to a mishap that crushes a bird’s nest. Yet Roz’s innate desire to help shines through when she discovers a single surviving egg. In a thrilling moment, she saves the egg from a fox named Fink (Pedro Pascal) by launching the predator into a porcupine—only to help the porcupine with its quills afterward.
When the egg hatches, the gosling, Brightbill, immediately sees Roz as a mother figure, despite her lack of programming for such a role. This leads to a delightful yet challenging relationship as Roz learns to nurture and teach Brightbill, voiced by Kit Connor. The community of animals, including the wise opossum Pinktail (Catherine O’Hara), adds depth to the narrative as they guide Roz in her unconventional parenting journey.
Also Read: Review: The Wild Robot – A Dazzling Journey of Emotion and Nature
Throughout the film, Roz’s attempts to teach Brightbill the essentials—like swimming and flying—are both endearing and humorous. The migration adventure brings additional stakes, and as winter approaches, the challenges become even more formidable. The emotional core of the film lies in Roz’s struggle to balance her responsibilities to Brightbill and her desire to reconnect with her robotic origins.
The Wild Robot has been met with widespread acclaim, and rightfully so. It’s a film that can charm anyone, regardless of age, with its mixture of humor, warmth, and poignant moments. While it may not take the top spot for me this year (Dune: Part Two still holds that honor), it certainly ranks among the best.
The animation is stunning, bringing the island and its inhabitants to vibrant life. The film’s ability to evoke a range of emotions—from laughter to tears—makes it a must-see for families. The sheer love and heart on display throughout the film are undeniable.
In conclusion, The Wild Robot is a beautiful story that encourages us to connect with those around us, regardless of our differences. I wholeheartedly recommend taking your family to see it and supporting more films that celebrate such heartfelt narratives. It’s a delightful reminder that love knows no boundaries, even between a robot and a gosling.
