The Wild Robot Review: A Beautiful & Touching Film

The Wild Robot is a beautifully animated, heartwarming, story that explores the importance of stepping outside of your comfort zone.

The Wild Robot is one of the most beautifully animated films of the year. As a mother, there is a lot that I can relate to packed into this film so it hit me right in the heart. The pacing is spot on, as it never slows down or drags on. If you haven’t read the book by the same name, you are truly in for a treat. Have tissues with you, chances are you will need them.

This movie follows a helper robot who is stranded on an island filled with animals after a typhoon. Her programing is to help complete tasks for whoever ordered her, however with no customer in sight, she must adapt. After an accident, she finds herself caring for a young gosling named Brightbill, with the trickster Fox, Fink (Pedro Pascal), by her side. The rest of the island is scared of her, often calling her a monster. They also treat Brightbill poorly because he is different. There are strong themes and messaging of not judging a book by its cover and doing unto others as you would wish done to you.

There is a lot to love about The Wild Robot. The animation style itself is absolutely gorgeous. Audiences are sure to be enthralled by the visuals so much so that they will find it impossible to look away. The story is filled to the brim with heart. Watching Roz and Brightbill bond, as a mother especially, is extremely meaningful and touching. Many times their relationship mimics that of a real mother and child, making it extremely relatable.

There is action, a score that perfectly elevates most sequences, and even humor. The Wild Robot has it all – and is one of the best animated films of the year. Inside Out 2 is still top tier for me, and I am eagerly awaiting Moana 2, but one thing is for sure, I will never forget the way The Wild Robot made me feel.

The biggest issue that this movie has is that it can feel disjointed at times. When the company that Roz is from joins in, it starts to feel like two separate movies. There is too much going on and some plot points become hard to follow. This is only made worse by the fact that certain characters are apart from each other. Thankfully, it all comes together in the end, delivering a perfect final ten minutes.

The Wild Robot is undeniably a beautiful film. The hand painted animation over digital animation makes for a unique look that I certainly hope DreamWorks continues. The ensemble voice cast are all talented and bring something special to their characters.

Catherine O’Hara is hilarious, no surprise there. Pedro Pascal brings a lovability to Fink, even when he is being a bit of a jerk. Lupita Nyong’o is the perfect choice for Roz. She knows exactly how to evolve the voice over time. She starts off more robotic, but eventually sounds almost human. My biggest gripe is that I wish there had been a little bit more of Mark Hamill.

The story itself is touching and heartwarming, but also exciting and empowering. There is one massive action sequence towards the end that is sure to captivate viewers. It is heart pounding and the stakes actually feel quite high.

Something that is important when trying to get the messaging this film delivers across. This film will teach viewers that sometimes you need to adapt and alter your programming, and when you do, you just might find more than you ever thought imaginable. Families are sure to connect with this one, as it is truly something special.

Oh, and stay through the end of the credits for one more fun scene.

NEXT: Netflix’s Uglies Inspires Youth To Simply Be Themselves

About The Wild Robot

Shipwrecked on a deserted island, a robot named Roz must learn to adapt to its new surroundings. Building relationships with the native animals, Roz soon develops a parental bond with an orphaned gosling.

The Wild Robot comes to theaters everywhere on September 27th.

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The Wild Robot is a beautifully animated, heartwarming, story that explores the importance of stepping outside of your comfort zone.

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