In the opening scenes of The Wild Robot, a chirpy, futuristic android named Roz wanders through a forest, asking confused animals if they need assistance. The android’s well-meaning yet comical offer of discount codes and stickers sets the tone for a delightful, heartwarming story that has taken the animated film world by storm. Adapted from Peter Brown’s beloved middle-grade novel, The Wild Robot has captured the hearts of audiences, combining stunning visuals with deep emotional storytelling.
Directed by Chris Sanders, known for animated classics like How to Train Your Dragon and Lilo & Stitch, this film masterfully transforms Brown’s tale into a visually breathtaking, emotionally rich experience. The challenge of bringing a book with simple illustrations to life on the big screen was immense, yet Sanders didn’t just meet expectations — he exceeded them, creating a soulful, sweet, and at times, deeply moving film that will leave both children and adults teary-eyed.
The story follows ROZZUM unit 7134, or “Roz,” a helper robot who finds herself stranded on a remote island after a storm wrecks her ship. As she learns to navigate the island and its wild inhabitants, Roz forms an unexpected bond with the animals, including an adorable orphaned gosling whom she raises as her own. Voiced by Lupita Nyong’o, Roz’s character evolves from a mechanical, emotionless robot into a nurturing and compassionate figure, making Nyong’o’s performance both nuanced and powerful.
Alongside Nyong’o, a stellar voice cast including Pedro Pascal, Catherine O’Hara, Bill Nighy, and Mark Hamill breathe life into the animals of the island. Each actor’s performance feels perfectly suited to their roles, enhancing the film’s emotional depth. Pascal’s portrayal of a cunning red fox, elevated from a minor book character to a key player, adds an extra layer of excitement to the film.
While the film remains true to the book’s core themes of survival, adaptation, and friendship, it also takes some Hollywood liberties — such as intense robot chases and fiery action sequences — that will keep audiences on the edge of their seats. Yet, even with these heightened moments, the film’s heart and soul remain intact, balancing its excitement with moments of tender vulnerability.
Visually, The Wild Robot is nothing short of breathtaking. The animation is lush and painterly, with remarkable attention to detail. Snowflakes settle on animal fur, leaves rustle in the wind, and butterflies gather on a tree in one of the most mesmerizing scenes, making this film an artistic triumph. In comparison to other computer-generated films, such as Transformers One, The Wild Robot stands out for its beauty and craftsmanship.
At its core, The Wild Robot is a story about found families and the challenges of parenthood. Roz, who is programmed with no maternal instincts, must figure out how to raise her gosling, learning as she goes along. The film beautifully captures the bond between parent and child, even when the “parent” is an android. Roz’s journey, from a being of pure logic to a creature capable of love and sacrifice, is touching and thought-provoking. Her struggles, including how to explain death and survival to her adopted child, resonate with real-world themes of compassion and belonging.
Roz’s journey also raises philosophical questions about what it means to feel. At one point, a fellow robot from the shipwreck, damaged and skeptical, remarks to Roz, “You should not feel anything at all.” Yet, Roz’s evolution proves that programming does not limit her capacity for care and connection, leaving audiences reflecting on the nature of emotion, artificial intelligence, and humanity.
By the film’s end, you’ll likely find yourself caught in the emotional current, as Roz’s final acts of kindness and sacrifice tug at your heartstrings. The Wild Robot is, without question, one of the year’s most beautiful and impactful films. From its breathtaking animation to its powerful storytelling, it is destined for accolades — perhaps even the Oscars.
The Wild Robot, a Universal release, opens in theaters this Friday. The film is rated PG for action, peril, and thematic elements, with a runtime of 101 minutes. Four stars out of four.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
