The Wild Robot Review: Breathtakingly Beautiful, Thought-Provoking Sci-Fi Animation Might Just Be Film of the Year

Cast: Lupita Nyong'o, Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor, Bill Nighy, Stephanie Hsu, Mark Hamill, Catherine O'Hara, Matt Berry, Ving Rhames

Director: Chris Sanders

Where to watch: Theaters

Runtime: 1 hour, 50 minutes

What does it mean to be a human? Let a robot teach you. ROZZUM 7134 ‘Roz’ (voiced by Lupita Nyong’o) always accomplishes whatever task is assigned to her—cleaning, conflict resolution, even motherhood. Directed by Chris Sanders and based on Peter Brown's novel of the same name, ‘The Wild Robot’ is a celebration of humanity and interspecie relationships.

The 1 hour, 50 minute film is a tear-jerker. It has plenty of moments that will stay with you long after you are done watching. The most striking moment for this critic was Brightbill's (Kit Connor) desire to belong. Raised by Roz (a robot who inadvertently played a role in killing his mother), Bill is a goose who feels alienated from those like him. He can't swim or fly, unlike geese his age.

The Wild Robot Movie: Plot

This innate desire to belong drives a wedge between Roz and Bill, both of whom want to explore their origins and be in touch with their roots. The othering and alienation faced by both Roz and Bill on account of their eccentric traits—Roz being a robot and Bill's short wingspan—followed by their integration into the community is a delight to watch.

The best part? The same traits which differentiated them from the rest of the jungle helps both Roz and Bill find companionship. As Longneck (Bill Nighy) says “Bill is the most unique among us, though most would not admit it”. After Roz helps Bill learn how to fly, Longneck says “Roz, I am honoured to have met you…whichever species you belong to”.

The Wild Robot Movie: Performances

The film makes a strong case for celebrating one's uniqueness. Roz, who was demonized and called a ‘Monster’ and ‘thing’ by the inhabitants of the island finds acceptance when she saves the animals from a harsh winter.

In fact, Roz accomplishes the impossible—she convinces animals of the jungle to not prey on each other, just for the winter and keeps them warm—she makes a bunch of wild animals live in harmony. A clear-cut disruption of food chain caused by a robot for the collective good. Now that is the power of love.

The Wild Robot Movie: Writing And Direction

What I also loved about the film was an endearing Fink (Pedro Pascal), a fox. Director Chris Sanders explores through Fink, the loneliness that comes with being an adult. He finds an unlikely companion in Roz, who helps him feel a little less lonely in a jungle where most animals don't like him.

The visuals and the animation by DreamWorks is dreamlike. The most beautiful being the scene where a gaggle of geese attacks an aircraft in an attempt to save Roz. The final scene where Roz says goodbye to her companions in the jungle will ruin you emotionally. “This is my migration and I promise, I will come back soon”, she says as she goes to Universal Dynamics station.

The Wild Robot Movie: What Works, What Doesn’t

What works well for the film are its dialogues which only make this coming-of-age story more heartfelt. When Bill flies off the island to migrate, he says “I forgot to tell them something”. To this, Longneck says “Maybe they heard it anyway. Sometimes hearts have their own conversations”.

Just before Bill flies off, Fink says “Fly like you, not like them”. Heartfelt, thought-provoking, emotionally devastating and a breathtakingly beautiful film, ‘The Wild Robot’ might just be the best animated film this year (beating a worthy contender ‘Inside Out 2’). Watch it with your kids and cry your heart out.

Star rating: 4 / 5 stars

The Wild Robot is now playing in theaters.