The Wild Robot Movie Review
The Wild Robot opens in theaters Friday, September 27. This review is based on a screening at the 2024 Toronto International Film Festival.
To sum it up, The Wild Robot tells the story of a lost automaton, ROZZUM 7134 (Lupita Nyong’o), who finds herself on an uninhabited island, adopts a young gosling, and befriends a clever fox. While the premise may seem typical for an animated movie suitable for all ages, the adaptation of Peter Brown’s children’s book series weaves in layers of meaning at every turn. From the moment ROZZUM 7134, also known as “Roz,” awakens in the strange wilderness, unsure of how she arrived there but determined to fulfill her programming, the film is packed with thoughtful storytelling. Despite occasionally cramming too much plot into its runtime, The Wild Robot approaches each scene with grace, resulting in an emotionally touching experience.
Chris Sanders’ debut as a solo director pays homage to its influences without imitating their style. The Wild Robot’s setting is deliberately ambiguous, set in a nature-inspired world reminiscent of films like WALL-E and Love Me. The film explores the human-like qualities that the robotic beings have inherited from their creators, shedding light on the imprint humanity has left behind. Roz, initially a worker drone with a fixed purpose, embarks on a transformative journey when she encounters and learns to communicate with Brightbill, a baby goose. This new connection challenges Roz’s programmed tasks and leads her to redefine her role while forming a familial bond with the young bird.
Roz’s expressive eyes and dynamic lighting effects bring a sense of curiosity to the mechanical protagonist. Despite its cheerful moments, The Wild Robot embraces a dark sense of humor, intertwined with the natural order of the animal kingdom. The film finds warmth and humor amidst the inherent dangers of the wilderness, particularly in the interactions between characters like Pinktail, the mother opossum, and her offspring. As the story progresses, themes of sacrifice and growth emerge as Roz, along with Finn the fox, guide Brightbill on his journey to learn how to fly.
Beneath its seemingly simple plot lies a nuanced exploration of identity, purpose, and evolution. The Wild Robot navigates unexpected twists and turns, shifting tones and genres along the way. While the film rushes through some narrative moments, it delivers a thrilling and emotionally resonant experience, complete with expressive visuals and exciting sequences.
Visually stunning, The Wild Robot opts for stylized textures over photorealism, creating a whimsical aesthetic akin to illustrations in children’s books. The film’s constant sense of motion captures the essence of found family and community bonds.
While drawing parallels to films like The Iron Giant and Avatar, Sanders’ work stands out for its originality and emotional depth. Parenthood metaphors, the complexities of belonging across different species, and the evolving instincts of Roz all intertwine to deliver a moving narrative. The film also cleverly reflects on the creative process in a commercial setting, mirroring Roz’s journey to creating a lasting impact within a structured environment.
This aspect of the film serves as a poignant analogy for the filmmaking industry and the pursuit of art within a studio system. Just as Roz collaborates with fellow misfits to produce something unexpected and enduring, Sanders and his team have crafted a compelling and resonant cinematic experience.