One of the biggest victims of modern Hollywood's sequel craze is animation, as icons of originality and creativity such as Pixar and Dreamworks have come to look like a shadow of their former selves. But all is not lost for this uniquely imaginative cinematic medium. Films like Chris Sandler's wonderfully heartfelt "The Wild Robot" continue to renew our faith in the future of animated films.
Based on the novel of the same name, "The Wild Robot" is the story of a robot named Roz (voiced by Lupita Nyong'o). Following a shipwreck, Roz finds herself lost on a forested island, where myriad animals roam free. Programmed to complete assigned tasks to serve the needs of human beings, she suddenly feels useless in this new environment, where the animals see her as a dangerous monster. But Roz will soon find renewed purpose after tussling with a mischevious fox (Fink) over a newly hatched and orphaned gosling. The gosling (soon to be named Brightbill by Roz) immediately becomes attached to Roz and soon, they form a mother-son relationship that transcends Roz' programming. Now, alongside Fink, this motley crew must come together to teach Brightbill how to eat, swim and eventually fly during the upcoming geese migration in winter.
As the trio prepare for that fateful day, the film is remarkably honest about the hostile nature of their wild environment. Notably, Brightbill is an outcast among the animal kingdom, including his own species, who remind him that he is a runt who wouldn't survive under normal circumstances. Furthermore, one of the film's most amusing running jokes is the pitch black humor of a litter of possums, who are disturbingly enthusiastic about death.
The chaotic nature of the survival of the fittest theme delivers several other funny setpieces for audiences of all ages to enjoy. And the voice performances further enliven the plot, particularly the smooth tone and immaculate diction of Nyongo and Pedro Pascal's perfect snarkiness as Fink. But while the film is unmistakably family-oriented, its most resonant throughline is how it explores the more mature themes associated with parenthood and community.
Indeed, viewers who are parents or have been blessed with the wisdom of hindsight will surely relate to Roz' gradual understanding of maternal love. Her fear of failure, selflessness, patience and empty nest sadness will leave you feeling misty-eyed. Furthermore, the narrative hits home a timely message about the importance of diversity in strengthening communities. And the soaring music rides the waves of all these emotional highs beautifully, exemplified by the original song "Kiss the Sky".
Ultimately, "The Wild Robot" is a straightforward, uncomplicated story that wears its heart on its sleeves. But what makes it especially affecting is the thoughtful way it deploys its sentimentality in a way that will appeal to children and adults alike. It's a real triumph of the animated artform.
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