The new Dream Works animated film, The Wild Robot, has captured the imagination of critics and audiences alike.
Based on Peter Brown’s beloved book of the same name, this movie explores the juxtaposition of technology and nature, bringing to life a heartfelt and beautifully crafted tale about a robot’s journey to understand emotions, community, and parenthood. Directed by Chris Sanders (known for his work on Lilo & Stitch and How to Train Your Dragon), The Wild Robot is not just a contender for the year’s best-animated film, but perhaps for the best film overall.
With a near-perfect score on Rotten Tomatoes of 98%, based on 82 reviews, this film has made a notable mark on the animation landscape of the 2020s. Critics have praised it for its stunning animation, moving storyline, and universal themes of connection, survival, and adaptation.
Let’s dive deep into what makes The Wild Robot stand out as a landmark in contemporary animation.
Table of Contents
Plot
The plot of The Wild Robot follows Rozzum Unit 7134, or Roz, a robot designed to assist humans, as she finds herself stranded on a remote, uninhabited island after a shipwreck. With no humans to serve, Roz, voiced by Lupita Nyong’o, must learn to navigate the island’s wilderness and survive. Initially viewed as a threat by the island’s animal inhabitants, Roz gradually begins to form relationships with them.
The turning point comes when Roz accidentally crushes a goose family, leaving only a single unhatched egg. Feeling compelled to care for the orphaned gosling, Roz takes on the role of mother to the baby goose, Brightbill, voiced by Kit Connor. This unexpected relationship leads Roz to learn about emotions, community, and parenthood—things she was never programmed for.
As Roz raises Brightbill, teaching him to swim, fly, and survive in the wild, she begins to integrate herself into the animal community. However, the outside world eventually intrudes when her manufacturer becomes aware of her emotional growth and sends a retrieval team of robots to bring her back. Roz must then confront her origins and decide where her true home lies: with the humans she was built to serve, or with the creatures she has come to love.
The film weaves themes of survival, adaptation, love, and the coexistence of technology and nature, with Roz evolving from a machine following strict programming to a being capable of deep emotional connections.
1. A Story of Survival, Adaptation, and Connection
At its core, The Wild Robot follows the journey of Rozzum Unit 7134, or Roz, voiced by Oscar-winner Lupita Nyong’o. Roz is a shipwrecked robot that washes ashore on a remote, uninhabited island.
Designed as a household assistant, Roz is equipped with one singular purpose: to serve. However, in this wild and untamed environment, she finds herself devoid of human companions to assist.
Instead, Roz encounters the island’s animal inhabitants, many of whom view her with suspicion and fear.
As Roz navigates the dangers of this unfamiliar world, she stumbles upon a lone goose egg. The unexpected challenge of caring for the orphaned gosling, Brightbill (voiced by Kit Connor), sets Roz on a path of emotional growth, one she is unprepared for by design but compelled to undertake nonetheless. The once cold, mechanical being evolves into a nurturing caregiver, learning to understand the complexities of love, loss, and community.
As Roz’s relationship with Brightbill deepens, the robot learns the value of emotions and the meaning of belonging.
The narrative is both heartwarming and thought-provoking, touching on themes of adoption, found families, and survival in an often unforgiving natural world.
2. A Unique Approach to Animation
One of the most striking features of The Wild Robot is its breathtaking animation. Rather than rely solely on traditional, computer-generated animation styles, the film blends elements of photorealism and impressionism, creating a visually stunning environment that feels both familiar and otherworldly.
The attention to detail is extraordinary, with every leaf, feather, and snowflake painstakingly rendered to evoke the beauty and fragility of nature.
As Roz integrates into the island’s ecosystem, the animation shifts subtly to reflect her transformation. Her once sleek, metallic exterior begins to blend with the natural environment, moss growing between the cracks in her body, symbolizing her increasing connection to the world around her.
This visual progression mirrors Roz’s internal journey, showcasing how the film masterfully intertwines character development with artistic expression.
The voice performances in the film further elevate its emotional depth. Nyong’o brings a nuanced, evolving portrayal of Roz as she grapples with newfound emotions.
Pedro Pascal delivers a standout performance as Fink, a wily fox who provides both comic relief and wisdom, while Catherine O’Hara shines as Pinktail, a world-weary opossum who guides Roz through the complexities of parenthood.
3. Critically Acclaimed and Universally Loved
The critical reception to The Wild Robot has been overwhelmingly positive. Adrian Horton, writing for The Guardian, called the film “one of the best-animated films of the year,” while Emily Zemler of The Observer predicted that the “Oscar for Best Animated Feature is The Wild Robot’s to lose.”
These glowing reviews have positioned the movie as an early frontrunner for multiple awards, including the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.
A recurring theme in many reviews is the film’s ability to evoke deep emotional responses from viewers of all ages. Mark Kennedy of the Associated Press hailed it as a “soulful, sweet-sad animated journey,” noting that it might be the best movie of the year, animated or not. Audiences have resonated with the film’s universal themes of connection, love, and sacrifice, making it more than just a children’s film.
Even the few negative reviews, such as one from the Wall Street Journal’s Kyle Smith, only criticize certain aspects of the script, arguing that it fails to fully engage the audience in Roz’s fate. However, the majority of viewers and critics have been captivated by the emotional depth of the film and its complex exploration of what it means to be alive.
4. Exploration of Themes: Technology, Emotion, and Community
What sets The Wild Robot apart from many other animated films is its exploration of deeply human themes through the lens of a non-human protagonist.
Roz’s journey from a purely functional machine to a compassionate, emotional being invites viewers to reflect on the nature of humanity itself. In an era where artificial intelligence and robotics are becoming increasingly integrated into everyday life, Roz’s story raises important questions about the potential for technology to understand and even experience human emotions.
The film doesn’t shy away from the darker aspects of life, either. Set against the backdrop of the island’s harsh natural environment, the story portrays the realities of predation, survival, and death.
Yet, even in the face of these challenges, The Wild Robot finds beauty in the resilience of life and the strength of community.
Roz’s eventual realization that she has become part of the island ecosystem — that her place is among the creatures she has come to care for — is a poignant reminder of the interconnectedness of all life. The film’s message is clear: empathy, love, and community are what truly make us alive, regardless of whether we are made of flesh and blood or circuits and steel.
5. An All-Star Cast and Crew
The success of The Wild Robot can be attributed in large part to the incredible talent behind the film. Chris Sanders brings his expertise in crafting emotionally resonant animated films, as evidenced by his previous work on How to Train Your Dragon and Lilo & Stitch. His direction ensures that The Wild Robot is as emotionally impactful as it is visually stunning.
The film’s voice cast is equally impressive. In addition to Nyong’o, Pascal, Connor, and O’Hara, the cast includes Bill Nighy, Mark Hamill, Matt Berry, and Ving Rhames, all of whom bring their unique talents to the diverse array of animal characters that populate the island.
Each character is given a distinct personality, from the gruff but wise Longneck (Nighy) to the mischievous Brightbill, making the island feel like a vibrant, living community.
6. A Journey for All Ages
While The Wild Robot is certainly a family-friendly film, it tackles themes and emotions that resonate with audiences of all ages.
Younger viewers will be captivated by the film’s colorful animation and engaging characters, while older audiences will appreciate its deeper reflections on life, parenthood, and the complexity of human emotions.
The film deftly balances moments of humor and lightness with more profound, often bittersweet moments, creating a rich emotional experience.
Conclusion
The Wild Robot is more than just an animated movie; it’s a cinematic masterpiece that explores the fundamental aspects of life, love, and connection. Through its stunning visuals, emotional depth, and universal themes, the film has solidified its place as one of the best-animated films of the decade.
As Roz embarks on her journey of self-discovery, audiences are invited to reflect on their own lives and the relationships that define them.
With its incredible cast, visionary direction, and heartwarming story, The Wild Robot is sure to leave a lasting impression on anyone who watches it.
This film is a celebration of life in all its forms, and its message of love, community, and understanding is one that will resonate for years to come. Whether you’re a fan of animation, a lover of nature, or simply someone who enjoys a good story, The Wild Robot is a must-see film that transcends the boundaries of its genre.