Animated kids’ movies often get a bad rap for focusing more on celebrity voices and recognizable intellectual property than on the actual storyline. However, DreamWorks Animation’s adaptation of Peter Brown’s hit book series, The Wild Robot, breaks away from this trend. While the movie features stars like Lupita Nyong’o and Pedro Pascal, it is the deeply felt story and beautifully painted animation that truly stand out.
Set in the not-so-distant future on a forest island, the film follows Nyong’o’s ROZZUM Unit 7134, also known as Roz, as she navigates her surroundings and learns to care for an orphaned goose egg that hatches into a gosling named Brightbill. With the help of a sly fox named Fink, Roz embarks on a journey to prepare the gosling for migration.
The Wild Robot delves into complex themes such as love, parenting, and the food chain, offering profound reflections that resonate with both children and adults. While the movie’s narrative depth is impressive, younger viewers may find some of the animal-on-animal or robot-on-animal peril scenes a bit challenging.
Beyond its thematic richness, The Wild Robot shines through its stunning animation, humor, and heartfelt storytelling. It has quickly become a top contender for the best animated movie of the year, captivating audiences with its simple yet powerful narrative. The film’s PG rating and 101-minute runtime make it accessible to a wide audience, ensuring that both kids and parents can enjoy its beauty and charm.
In a landscape saturated with mediocre animated films, The Wild Robot stands out as a refreshing and poignant cinematic experience that celebrates the magic of storytelling and the bond between humans, animals, and machines. Whether you’re a fan of animated movies or simply looking for a heartwarming tale to enjoy with your family, The Wild Robot promises to deliver an enchanting and memorable viewing experience that will stay with you long after the credits roll.
