The Wild Robot, the highly anticipated animated film set to release on September 27, 2024, is poised to be one of the best movies of the year. Based on Peter Brown’s beloved book series and directed by Chris Sanders, known for his work on How to Train Your Dragon and Lilo & Stitch, this film is a stunning visual masterpiece that delves deep into the themes of motherhood, technology, and the natural world.
The story follows Rozzum Unit 7134, or Roz, a robot programmed to solve problems who finds herself stranded on a remote island after a shipwreck. Voiced by the talented Lupita Nyong’o, Roz is a peaceful robot incapable of violence, a trait that sets her apart from the harsh realities of the natural world she now inhabits. As she tries to adapt to her new surroundings, Roz encounters an orphaned baby gosling named Brightbill, whom she reluctantly begins to mother.
Through Roz’s eyes, the audience witnesses her vulnerability and compassion as she navigates the complexities of motherhood, a role she initially doubts her programming can handle. “I do not have the programming to be a mother,” Roz confesses at one point, a sentiment that resonates with many parents, especially new mothers, who often feel unprepared for the challenges of raising a child.
The film’s themes of love, loss, finding purpose, and self-discovery are exaggerated through the lens of robots and animals, but the symbolism of the pitfalls and triumphs of motherhood is never lost. In fact, it is at the forefront of every choice Roz makes, guiding her path as she learns to adapt and grow in her new role as a mother.
One of the most striking aspects of The Wild Robot is its stunning animation. The film’s setting, a lush island in the Pacific Northwest, often looks so realistic that the animals inhabiting it appear to be made of flesh and bone. The attention to detail is breathtaking, and the animation seamlessly blends photorealistic elements with whimsical touches that enhance the storytelling.
The voice cast, which includes Pedro Pascal as the cunning fox Fink, Catherine O’Hara as the motherly opossum Pinktail, and Kit Connor as the adorable Brightbill, delivers powerful performances that bring depth and emotion to their characters. Nyong’o, in particular, shines as Roz, capturing the robot’s transformation from a programmed machine to a nurturing figure with empathy and grace.
As Roz’s journey progresses, the film explores the complexities of parental programming and the impact of the natural world on technology. When Roz follows her “heart” and escapes from another robot named Vontra, she further upsets the status quo and challenges the notion of being “morally neutral.” This scene provides a wonderful opportunity for discussion about the role of robots and artificial intelligence in society and the importance of guiding these decisions in the right direction.
Author Peter Brown, who collaborated closely with the filmmakers, believes that The Wild Robot offers an alternative vision for what robots could look like in the future. “We’ve seen all these movies about robot uprisings, and we know how that story unfolds,” he says. “There’s a million great uses for robotics and artificial intelligence. Our job in the world is to try to kind of guide these decisions in the right direction.”
As the film reaches its climax, Roz’s journey becomes a metaphor for the complexities of motherhood and the sacrifices one makes for their child. The scenes of Roz protecting Brightbill and the other animals during a harsh winter are particularly poignant, showcasing her growth and the power of love to transcend species boundaries.
In the end, The Wild Robot is a stunning achievement in animated storytelling. It explores the themes of love, loss, and self-discovery with depth and nuance, using the exaggerated scenarios of robots and animals to highlight the universal truths of what it means to be human. The film’s message of compassion, empathy, and the importance of family resonates strongly, making it a must-see for audiences of all ages.
As the release date approaches, excitement for The Wild Robot continues to build. With its stunning animation, powerful performances, and thought-provoking themes, this film is poised to be a critical and commercial success, cementing its place as one of the best animated movies of the year.
