You know a studio believes in a film when they go to great lengths to make sure everyone has the opportunity to see it at a festival. Dreamworks by way of Universal Studios has made no secret of how many eggs they’ve put in their basket, and have bet big on “The Wild Robot” as a surefire awards contender. With 10+ screenings including its premiere at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF), it was hard to not find a time to see the film. Thankfully, the big bet has an even bigger payoff, delivering one of the most dazzling and emotional family films I’ve seen in a long time. Vibrant colors, gorgeously rendered scenery, and a stellar cast makes “The Wild Robot” an absolute triumph, winning its way into your heart with sincerity and lovable characters. What emerges is more than just an awards contender, but an infectiously sweet and emotional journey that will leave you in tears and wanting to hug your mom.
Based on the book of the same name by Peter Brown, “The Wild Robot” is written and directed by Chris Sanders (“Lilo and Stitch,” “How to Train Your Dragon“). It boasts a star-studded voice ensemble that includes Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal, Stephanie Hsu, Mark Hamill, Kit Conor, Catherine O’Hara, Bill Nighy, and Ving Rhames. It follows ROZZUM unit 7134, “Roz” for short, a robot who shipwrecks onto an uninhabited island and must learn to adapt to the unforgiving landscapes and animals with whom she is not programed to communicate with. Through an accident of chance, she becomes the adoptive parent of a baby gosling Brightbill (Connor) and along with a cunning fox turned friend Fink (Pascal) work to become accepted by the island inhabitants as well as strengthen their own relationships and find where the truly belong by what truly matters.
Narratively, “The Wild Robot” isn’t groundbreaking. it wears its inspirations of cherished tales like “The Ugly Duckling” and “Big Hero 6” as well as other borrowed family films proudly, rarely deviating from the familiar story beats that make these kinds of films so enduring. This is pretty great company to be in and while it may be a compilation of Dreamworks’ greatest hits, its composition is much more those strengths than weaknesses. Simply put, it is so beautiful and vibrant it’s hard not to fall in love with everything and everyone. It is a powerful tale of parenthood, survival, belonging, friendship and purpose, imbuing each theme and emotion with such sincerity it never once feels manipulative. Everything works, making it a genuine crowd pleaser with undeniable appeal.
It never panders, nor does it shy away from some of the darker, more morbid elements of animal behavior and ecosystems. “The Wild Robot” breaths fresh life into its familiar story, and from its beautiful visuals to excellent voice cast and soaring score, it makes it really hard to find a fault. No film is perfect, and there may be some that find the story a little too derivative and cliche to be as hyped and beloved as others find it to be. It’s ending also feels a little rushed, introducing so many characters (some pretty late in the third act that robs them of their emotional and narrative importance) it starts to feel a little overstuffed and bogged down. The predictability here can leave you feeling good but a little disappointed, as the story doesn’t match the boundary pushing animation. For me, the film works well enough to overcome most of these pitfalls, and is so emotional and heartfelt and joyous that those critiques start to melt away as you wipe the tears from your face.
You’re gonna have to bring tissues to “The Wild Robot.” There is no possible way you can experience this film from start to finish and not be overwhelmed and won over by its charm. This is as good as animated films can get, and one of the better Dreamworks offerings in a very long time. It has a little something for everyone without overdoing it on any one particular topic. Parents and children and friends alike can all find something and someone to fall in love with, creating a broad appeal movie going experience that is fun for the whole family.
“The Wild Robot” brings people – friends and families alike – together, and that my friends, is true movie magic. Movies like this don’t come around too often, and makes good on its promise to always complete its task.
But seriously, bring tissues. And call your mom.
Rating: 4.5 out 5 Stars
“The Wild Robot” releases in theaters on September 27th. You can watch the trailer below:
