In the midst of a remote island’s complex ecosystem and undisturbed wildlife, a shipwrecked robot washes upon the shore and activates. Whirring to life, Rozzum 7134, or Roz, only strives to complete tasks as she was programmed to do. Between the unforgiving conditions of nature and Roz’s rigid robot system, how does a story of motherhood, perseverance and acceptance emerge?
Based on the 2016 science fiction novel by Peter Brown, and produced by DreamWorks Animation, “The Wild Robot” was released in late September. The story follows the helper robot Rozzum 7134’s quest to find her buyer and a purpose on the island. As she is furiously rejected by all of the island’s animals, Roz stumbles upon an orphaned gosling runt. From that point on, Roz is assigned the incredibly vague and confusing task of being the gosling’s “mother” — not a role Roz’s database was coded for.
The film is PG and family friendly, so it is suitable for children, but also enjoyable for adults. From its heartwarming scenes, simple storytelling and powerful messages, “The Wild Robot” is the perfect movie for all audiences. Furthermore, the character growth and interactions greatly reinforce the movie’s themes and enhance the overall impact.
As a warning, however, the highly emotional ending will likely leave viewers in tears. Although the ending is utterly heartbreaking, it feels inconclusive, as the future of the characters remains unresolved. The movie seems to be set up for a sequel, especially since the books form a trilogy (“The Wild Robot,” “The Wild Robot Escapes,” and “The Wild Robot Protects”).
The animation of the film is visually stunning, with its mesmerizingly beautiful scenes of the island’s environment. From the scenes of geese migration to the island winter, the art captures nature’s magnificence. The book “The Wild Robot” includes many cute cartoon drawings, but the movie did not embody the same style and even changed many of the original designs, such as Roz’s appearance. However, the film still embodies the cozy energy of an illustrated children’s book.
The film’s themes of advanced technology and artificial intelligence spark similarities with the ongoing expansion of AI occurring in real life. It sheds light on important topics in today’s society, such as AI’s emotional intelligence, or whether it is possible for robots to surpass their programming. The clash of nature with man made machines depicts the effects of human activities on animal habitats. As we forge into this age full of cutting-edge technology, films such as “The Wild Robot” serve as an interesting perspective of the future.
Well-received by audiences, this film currently has a 98% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and an 8.4/10 on IMDd.
I can see this becoming a comfort movie for me, with its endearing characters and moving message. From its breathtaking animation and compelling storytelling to its influential social commentary, “The Wild Robot” is a timeless tale recommended for all.
Rating: 9.4/10
