'The Wild Robot' Review

Rarely does a movie establish itself as an awards season contender with its first trailer. But The Wild Robot did just that by establishing its stunning animation and the fitting cover of Louis Armstrong’s "What a Wonderful World." Through this trailer, viewers got a feeling that DreamWorks would be taking a page from prime Pixar by having The Wild Robot be a risk-taking effort with the animation and mature tone. Better yet, it came across like this could be DreamWorks’ most mature movie in years. To top it off, the titular character Roz says, “Sometimes, to survive, we must become more than we were programmed to be,” a line that resonates with the overarching themes on display in the movie. Just as strong as the line is, The Wild Robot uplifts DreamWorks back from the speed bump the studio endured this past spring with Kung Fu Panda 4. 

What distinguishes The Wild Robot from other DreamWorks movies is how serious it’s advertised. This aspect includes the How to Train Your Dragon trilogy and 2022’s Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. The animation contributes to it as the island and setting it inhabits are stunning; meanwhile, the film’s climax uses bright colors to ominously represent fire and other harsh elements of the island’s nature. Now, the movie has a comedic element, this is a family movie after all. The humor works just as much as the darker tone, with the jokes consistently landing and lending a stable heart.

Furthermore, lush, detailed landscapes, vibrant colors, and carefully crafted wildlife bring the island setting to life. Every leaf, wave, and animal is rendered with realism and beauty, immersing the viewer in the film’s natural environment. A moment where this truly shines is when Roz helps Brightbill take off with the rest of the flock. She helps give him a running start before he gets himself in the air, then runs to the edge of a cliff to see hundreds of geese flying amongst a pink and blue sky. Thanks to the animation and Kris Bowers’ score, it's a gorgeous scene and one of the best of the year.

Roz’s character design is also a key highlight worth mentioning. Her robotic stiffness contrasts with the fluid movement of the animals, but over time, as she learns to adapt to the wild, her movements become more organic. This subtle shift in her animation mirrors her emotional and psychological journey, making her transformation from machine to caregiver all the more powerful. The development vastly grows in a montage where she’s teaching Brightbill to fly, accompanied by the soulful original song “Kiss the Sky,” by country singer Maren Morris.

Environmental stewardship and the interconnectedness of life are also handled with care as the film encourages viewers, especially younger audiences, to reflect on their relationship with nature and technology. It does so without being overly preachy, blending these ideas into Roz’s story naturally and organically. The film’s voice cast brings a lot of emotional depth to the characters. Roz is voiced with a calm, almost detached tone at the beginning, which slowly softens as she connects with the island’s inhabitants. Lupita Nyong’o’s portrayal of her gradual emotional awakening is subtle yet powerful, making Roz a genuinely empathetic and relatable character. The supporting cast is equally vital. Pedro Pascal and Kit Connor do brilliant work as Roz’s fox friends, Fink, and Brightbill, respectively. Pascal gives a nuanced performance that sees him donning a character unlike anything we’ve seen so far from him. Meanwhile, Connor gives his first film performance since breaking out in 2019’s Rocketman and looks promising.

While The Wild Robot is visually stunning and emotionally engaging, its plot is straightforward. The movie closely follows the book's narrative, which is both a strength and a limitation. The story follows a familiar arc of survival, acceptance, and transformation, which sometimes feels a bit formulaic. However, this predictability doesn’t detract from the film’s overall appeal, particularly for younger audiences. The journey of Roz, from an outsider to a valued member of the island’s ecosystem is compelling and filled with enough emotional depth to keep viewers invested in her story. The film could have delved deeper into Roz's origins and the technology that created her. This backstory is touched upon but not fully explored, leaving some interesting questions about the larger world unanswered.

The Wild Robot is a visually stunning, emotionally resonant adaptation of Peter Brown’s novel that skillfully blends survival, empathy, and environmental stewardship themes. While its plot may sometimes feel predictable, the film’s strong voice acting, beautiful animation, soaring music, and heartfelt exploration of nature and technology make it a standout family film. Director Chris Sanders has spent decades playing a part in various successful animated movies, and The Wild Robot is looking to be another addition to his already impressive resume. DreamWorks makes another case for itself here in a day and age where animation hierarchy is up for grabs. The film will captivate younger viewers and leave older ones reflecting on the delicate balance between the human (and mechanical) and natural worlds.

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