Once in a while, a film comes along that instantly feels like a classic. The Wild Robot is undoubtedly one of those pictures. DreamWorks’ adaptation of Peter Brown’s bestselling novel is a gem that can stand alongside the very best of Pixar and the heights of the Disney Renaissance.
It tells the story of a robot that washes ashore on a densely forested island. There, she becomes the adoptive parent of an adorable gosling and must protect it in a fiercely dog-eat-dog world. Despite being initially feared by the island’s inhabitants, her dedication to caring for the chick and her eagerness to help others bring about an unlikely sense of community within the once-harsh ecosystem.
There’s something about the film that feels like a Disney classic. Perhaps it’s the abundance of cute talking animals or the stunning visual spectacle. But most of all, there’s a strong sense of storytelling simplicity that feels refreshing in today’s landscape of convoluted blockbusters. This no doubt stems from the storytelling expertise of director Chris Sanders, a former Disney animation whizz who later moved to DreamWorks. Sanders directed the beloved Lilo & Stitch and notably served as a storyboard artist on the 1994 masterpiece The Lion King. There are clear thematic parallels between The Lion King and The Wild Robot: both explore survival in the wilderness, lost souls forming foster families, and the fulfillment of destiny.
At its heart, however, The Wild Robot is the story of motherhood. It showcases how becoming a parent means sacrificing your own priorities, straining yourself, and sometimes following your instincts over what you’re taught. It is also, quite clearly, about the joy and pain of watching a child grow up and (quite literally, in this case) leave the nest. For all its fantastical sci-fi trimmings, it’s a truly universal and timeless story.
The film’s power comes not just from its beautifully adapted screenplay or its gorgeous visuals ( an impressionistic style of 3D animation that feels like oil paintings come to life) but also from a masterful score by Kris Bowers. Bowers’ first score for an animated feature, it deservedly earned an Oscar nomination at this year’s ceremony.
The Wild Robot is reportedly DreamWorks Animation’s final in-house feature film. It’s a shame, as it may well be the pinnacle of their artistic achievements. Its strong box-office performance and widespread critical acclaim (not to mention the availability of more novels in the series) make a sequel almost inevitable. Let’s hope its magic doesn’t wear off.
