The Wild Robot

The new feature from DreamWorks is bound to be crowd-pleasing family entertainment and will likely emerge as an instant classic in the vein of Disney’s most timeless efforts–as well as this studio’s best, including Shrek, How to Train Your Dragon, and The Prince of Egypt. It is probably my favorite animated film of the year so far, brimming with heart, humor, creativity, and a surprising amount of emotional resonance. Chris Sanders, best known for his work on How to Train Your Dragon, The Croods, and Lilo & Stitch is working solo here. He shared co-directing credits with long-time partner Dean DeBlois, specifically on How to Train Your Dragon and Lilo & Stitch.

The result will definitely draw some comparisons to Pixar’s WALL-E. While there are a few similarities, they are primarily a robot protagonist assigned with protecting someone. Yet The Wild Robot manages to carve out a distinct identity, which is a welcome relief in an industry where every big blockbuster feels interchangeable with the next. Here, we follow the adventures of the titular character, voiced impeccably by Lupita Nyong’o, who is just as talented in animation as live action. Even if you do not recognize her voice right away, it becomes clearer as the film progresses that you are hearing the talented star best known for 12 Years a Slave, Black Panther and Jordan Peele’s Us.

The AI-programmed robot crash-lands on a strange planet and loses multiple parts. The model, known as ROZZUM-7134, must perform a task to completion. Yet the creatures inhabiting the island consider her a “monster”. Still, she is intent on assisting them, whether they want her aid or not. The robot soon finds herself acting as the adoptive parent of a baby gosling (Kit Connor) who is left orphaned after she accidentally destroys its family’s nest. Other animals, including a fox named Fink (Pedro Pascal), and a mother possum teach her how to successfully be a mother. After all, Roz–as she now refers to herself as—is not exactly programmed for love or other maternal instincts. Yet the story that unfolds becomes a beautiful story about motherhood that is both funny and also requires a Kleenex. As in WALL-E, we get the sense that this AI might be genuinely capable of love after all.

In interviews, Sanders has said that the animation style was inspired by the classic Disney films, as well as the works of Hayao Miyazaki. It is certainly evocative of a Studio Ghibli production while retaining the 3D animation used in a Pixar film. This certainly explains why so many of the screens are exclusively in the 3D format. Even viewing it in 2D, the visuals are incredible, making for a surprisingly unique experience. It also helps that The Wild Robot is pretty well-paced, and even though it montages through the story at times, we still develop an endearing bond with the characters, particularly Roz. The voice acting is great as well; I have already praised Nyong’o, but other prominent actors lend their talents including–but not limited to–Catherine O’Hara, Bill Nighy, Mark Hamill, and Ving Rhames.

I have seen no shortage of films this year, including animated features. Like those Disney classics and even the best offerings from this studio, both kids and parents alike will enjoy it. The adult crowd will likely be more deeply moved than the young ones, but it manages to be funny and tear-jerking. Roz is programmed to ask her customers if they are satisfied with her performance of a task. I would enthusiastically say yes, she has.

101 minutes