“The Wild Robot”, based on the best-selling middle-grade novel by Peter Brown, directed by Chris Sanders, is a movie that follows a robot named Rozzum 7134, Roz for short. After Roz, voiced by Lupita Nyong’o, becomes stranded on the island, she must adjust to her new environment, form connections with the wildlife, and take on a maternal role for an orphaned gosling. Here are the elements, overall, that made this film enjoyable for everyone from the youngest kids to the grumpiest parents and teenagers:
Cinematography, animation, lighting, music, and score
The viewer is thrown into the movie’s first scene with the “camera” zooming in through the beautifully animated clouds to reveal a terrifying ocean. The viewer is dropped right into the middle of the first big scene when Roz lands on the island. The lighting and music add to the atmosphere, enriching the spectator’s experience and fostering a deeper understanding of what’s happening. The score beautifully moves from dramatic and death-defying to soft and sweet within the different settings. The flawless scenes make it easy for onlookers to understand what’s happening; every part is intentional. The beautiful animation and lighting show just how far animation has come, and Dreamworks is a prime example of this. It’s visually appealing and something that is appreciated throughout the movie.
Characters, development, and relationships
The key part of any good movie, whether animated or live-action, is the characters. The main characters in this movie are Roz, a robot, Fink, a fox, and an adorable gosling-turned-young goose named Brightbill. One thing that makes them so good is who voices them in the movie. Pedro Pascal’s relatable and snarky humor as Fink adds a lot of humor to the story as we follow Brightbill and Roz’s journey. Roz is easy to relate to because we see her awkwardness when she meets new animals on the island. We follow her transformation from a programmed robot with a simple task to someone significant enough to bring the island together. We also watch Roz’s relationship with Fink and Brightbill grow. The characters are a key, well-executed element of this story that is beautifully brought to light. They make you cry, laugh, and smile as the movie continues. It seems an animated movie about a robot and a fox can be surprisingly emotional.
Themes/messages
Of course, themes are one of the most important parts of a movie. There are multiple relevant messages in this story. The most prominent one is feeling different than those around you. As people, we’ve all felt like we don’t belong with those around us like Roz and Brightbill. The plot is relevant to everyone from young kids to teens to adults. It’s applicable because we’ve all felt different from the people around us at some point. Although it’s been told many times, it tells a story of acceptance in a way that isn’t overdone. It represents how the most diverse people, or animals and robots, can come together. Roz brings them together even when they’re all about to die, causing them to accept her more than ever. Acceptance is a big message in this movie that can be significant for an audience of all ages.
Final thoughts
“The Wild Robot” is a heartwarming and visually stunning animated film that captivates audiences of all ages. With its breathtaking cinematography, endearing characters, and powerful themes of acceptance and friendship, the movie offers an engaging and emotionally resonant experience. The voice performances, particularly Lupita Nyong’o and Pedro Pascal, bring depth and charm to the characters. I wholeheartedly recommend “The Wild Robot” for a heartwarming family movie night.