Who knew a story about a robot that crash lands on an island with wildlife would be extremely emotional - but that is what The Wild Robot brings to the table. This new Dreamwork Animations film is directed by Chris Sanders who is best known for working on Lilo & Stitch, Mulan, How to Train Your Dragon, and The Croods.

 

Our story begins when all-purpose robot, Rozzum (Lupita Nyong’o), crash lands on an island inhabited by thousands of animals. Rozzum believes that she has made it to her destination and seeks out her owner to be given a task to work on. As she makes her way through the forest, she continues to be denied by every animal she meets because of how different she is. To better understand her new acquaintances she learns the languages of all the inhabitants on the island. Even though that helps her better understand the creatures on the island, she still can’t find a being to give her a task. Then, during a storm, she accidentally stumbles upon an egg containing a baby goose. She finally figures out what her task is - save the egg from the slick fox, Fink (Pedro Pascal). Fink tries to steal and eat the egg but ends up becoming friends with Rozzum and helps her raise the youngling. The task evolves into getting food for the baby, teaching the baby to swim, and helping the baby learn to fly before the geese leave when wintertime arrives. Now, almost fully grown, Brightbill (Kit Connor), works as hard as he can to join his fellow geese and be accepted by them. His fellow geese believe he’s just a runt that has a weird robotic mother. This all sets up a magnificent journey of Brightbill becoming the goose he was meant to be by using the lessons Rozzum taught him. Rozzum is left alone on the island and ends up having a bigger role in protecting the habitants from the winter and the technology sent by her maker to retrieve her.

 

There are a lot of different storylines in this film that all serve a purpose to the overall plot. It may seem like a lot but in the long run it’s what makes this movie excellent. From the voice acting, animation, and music this film will make you feel all the emotions. It is extremely hard to make it through this film without shedding a tear because there are so many relatable lessons, and it can be a bit overwhelming. It’s just a beautiful story of a robot trying to find her place in the world while being the mother to this baby goose and trying to protect the creatures from the outside that threaten their very lives.

 

If this film does not receive any nominations come awards season, it will be very disappointing since it seems to be a very influential film. Please go see this movie with family or friends to experience a wholesome journey of self-awareness, friendship, and family.

 

Rating; 5 out of 5