Starting a review can sometimes be difficult, especially when you’re unsure of the positive aspects to highlight about a movie. At least, that’s how I feel at times. Conversely, there are moments when it’s hard to know where to begin because a film is so good. The Wild Robot falls into the latter category; there is so much to praise that it’s challenging to know where to start. Yes, it is that good.
When I first saw the trailer for The Wild Robot, I was blown away by the incredible and beautiful animation. I was immediately captivated by the robot, which didn’t seem to belong in nature but found itself there nonetheless. The trailer hinted at how this robot might communicate and navigate the world of wild animals, suggesting a heartfelt and wholesome story. Honestly, the trailer was brilliant and evoked strong Iron Giant vibes, which is a very good thing. However, trailers can sometimes create unrealistic expectations about a film.
I worried that The Wild Robot wouldn’t live up to the hype I felt after watching the trailer; I wasn’t sure any movie could. I entered the theater for the early screening with my worries swirling in my mind, but I left completely satisfied. It exceeded all my expectations. In my opinion, The Wild Robot is an incredible work of art that is also deeply heartfelt. It is a modern classic that promotes the message that kindness is not a weakness, the importance of finding your tribe, and embracing a new identity—something you know you were meant to be. It tells a story of love and found family, conveying everything our world often overlooks but desperately needs more of.
The Wild Robot follows the story of Roz (voiced by Lupita Nyong’o), a helper robot programmed to assist her owner. Unfortunately, during her journey to her new owners, she and several other robots are lost at sea. When Roz finally emerges from her crate, she finds herself on a remote island with no civilization in sight. In the opening minutes, she attempts to help the animals she encounters. However, after many hours and efforts, Roz realizes that communication is not working; she can’t understand the creatures around her. She spends time learning and observing until she learns to speak their language, allowing her to communicate effectively and resume her mission of finding purpose.
That’s when she literally stumbles into a goose nest and discovers a lone gosling. At the same time, she meets a fox named Fink (voiced by Pedro Pascal), who helps her realize that raising this gosling is her new mission. Roz embarks on a quest to help the little goose eat, learn to swim, and eventually learn to fly in preparation for the upcoming annual migration.
The voice acting in this film is phenomenal. Nyong’o and Pascal, along with Kit Connor who voices Brightbill (the gosling), embody the heart and soul of the film, showcasing fantastic chemistry. Nyong’o faces the challenge of conveying emotion in her performance while maintaining the robot’s emotional restraint, and she pulls it off beautifully. Fink is portrayed as the lovable scoundrel, which is a perfect fit for Pascal. Additionally, the supporting cast includes notable voices like Bill Nighy (Longneck), Matt Berry (Paddler the Beaver), Catherine O’Hara (Pinktail the Possum), Ving Rhames (Thunderbolt the Falcon), and Mark Hamill (Thorn the Grizzly Bear). The ensemble cast comes together brilliantly.
The film’s music propels the story forward without being distracting. Kris Bowers, known for his work on The Green Book and The Color Purple, has created a beautiful and powerful score that lingers in your mind long after the film. I even find myself humming it even now. The soundtrack also features wonderful songs performed by Maren Morris, such as “Kiss the Sky” and “Even When I’m Not.”
While I may lack the technical knowledge to adequately describe the animation, I can confidently say it is beautiful and moving, reminiscent of watching Up or Wall-E for the first time. The animation has a stunning realism that makes it hard to believe it was created by artists using computers; it truly blew me away.
Overall, The Wild Robot is a well-written story with a good pacing that kept me engaged throughout. I can’t recall a moment when I felt bored. The film evoked a range of emotions: I laughed, felt touched, and found myself on the edge of my seat. The acting is exceptional, the music stunning, and the visuals incredible. This film comes as close to perfection as any movie can. If you haven’t seen it yet, you should. It is still showing in some theaters, but it is also available for digital purchase or rental. This is a great movie for the whole family. While there are some intense moments in the climax, they are handled well, making it enjoyable for both kids and adults alike.
You may even find yourself coming out of the movie wanting to kinder and better- an what could be better than that?
My grade: 5 stars
The Wild Robot is currently playing in theaters and is also available to purchase or rent digitally through Apple or Prime Video or whatever digital movie service you use.
The Wild Robot – TL;DR
The Wild Robot is a stunning animated film that follows Roz, a helper robot who finds purpose in raising a gosling on a remote island. The movie beautifully explores themes of kindness, identity, and found family, featuring excellent voice performances from Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal, and Kit Connor. With breathtaking animation and a powerful score by Kris Bowers, it’s a modern classic that resonates with audiences of all ages. A must-see for families, it’s currently available in theaters and for digital purchase or rental.
