From the peak of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish to the middling Kung Fu Panda 4, the recent DreamWorks Animation films have been fairly decent overall. Their new releases alternate between sequels, spinoffs, and book adaptations. The latest film, The Wild Robot from writer-director Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch and How to Train Your Dragon), is based on Peter Brown‘s book series of the same name.
The flick follows a robot, ROZZUM unit 7134, or “Roz” (Lupita Nyong’o), who crashes on an island full of wild animals. She’s designed to assist customers, but without a human in sight, she studies the wildlife for anyone in need of help. She eventually finds her purpose in caring for an orphaned gosling, Brightbill (Kit Connor). With the help of a sly fox named Fink (Pedro Pascal), Roz raises Brightbill and trains him to fly south before winter hits.
The Wild Robot joins the ranks of The Iron Giant, Wall-E, and Big Hero 6 as the most personal stories starring an animated robot. The film tackles found family, existentialism, and the importance of treating others with kindness. The animated genre gets a reputation for being seen as only for kids, but The Wild Robot is one of the many examples proving they can be for everyone.
‘The Wild Robot’ Has Big Heart
Despite being different species, Roz, Fink, and Brightbill relate to the feeling of being outsiders. The emotional weight of the film is carried by their growing bond together. Nyong’o has an incredible run moving from Black Panther: Wakanda Forever to A Quiet Place: Day One and now The Wild Robot. Even with a robotic voice, she manages to deliver an emotional performance that’ll touch hearts.
Pascal seems to have the most fun as Fink. He gets to be more laid back compared to his roles in The Mandalorian and The Last of Us by showing off his witty side. Fink makes jokes at the expense of the other animals, but it isolates him from them. Although he’s the one teaching Roz about nature, he learns kindness from Roz. Fink has the biggest development throughout the film.
Best known for his role in Heartstopper, Kit Connor channels a more youthful energy in his performance of Brightbill. Viewers see him right from birth and watch him grow into a capable goose. Even though the underdog story has been played out before, Brightbill’s journey is still heartwarming. When the music kicks in during one of the film’s climatic moments, it amplifies how powerful and rewarding it is to see how far Brightbill has come.
‘The Wild Robot’ Is One of the Best Animated Films of the Year
The Wild Robot is a gorgeous animated film with its art style and painted backgrounds. The entire movie does a great job of utilizing color to represent emotions. Although it’s a film focusing on robots and animals, it’s a heartfelt story that audiences of all ages will find enjoyable. There is so much put into this film that it doesn’t necessitate a sequel; the characters have full arcs with satisfying endings.
There isn’t a single element of The Wild Robot that doesn’t work. It has emotional performances, beautiful animation, an uplifting soundtrack, and a touching story. The cast and crew are clearly passionate about this film with how much care is taken to deliver a strong final product. DreamWorks hasn’t won Best Animated Feature at the Academy Awards since 2005’s Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit, and The Wild Robot just might be their chance.
The Wild Robot is coming to North American theaters on September 27 and will be released in the U.K. on October 18.
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'The Wild Robot' Review | TIFF 2024
'The Wild Robot' Review | TIFF 2024The Good
- Stunning animation that could be put in a museum as still images.
- Lupita Nyong'o continues her impressive run of film performances.
- The score and original songs are uplifting.
- The plot is one of the most touching stories told in an animated film.
