The Wild Robot Review: A Lot More Than Just A Kids’ Movie

Synopsis: The story of a robot discovering empathy and purpose as it cares for a gosling named Brightbill, forming an unlikely bond in a lush, vibrant wilderness.

Sometimes, the only thing that keeps you going through the year is a good animated film to latch onto, if you ask me. Luckily, this year we saw some solid animated films come our way including Inside Out 2, The Garfield Movie, Kung Fu Panda 4, and a few others. But, let’s be real, it wasn’t until later this year that we got one that really hits that sweet spot of being binge-worthy, the kind of movie you’d want to curl up with on a day you’re feeling emotional. But hey, better late than never, right? Because we’ve finally landed a film that’s more than just a one-time-watch—it’s for both adults and kids alike!

Directed by Chris Sanders, and co-written with Peter Brown, based on his own book, The Wild Robot is DreamWorks' latest offering and it’s nothing short of spectacular. Featuring a stellar voice cast consisting of Lupita Nyong’o as Roz (or Rozzum 7134), Connor as Brightbill the gosling, Pedro Pascal as Fink the fox, and Catherine O'Hara as Pink the possum, the film has managed to blend heartfelt storytelling with jaw-dropping animation. What really adds that extra layer is the hand-painted animation style. Imagine classic Disney meets Hayao Miyazaki; it’s visually stunning. The attention to detail is crazy and every frame feels alive. The background score by Kris Bowers is another win, providing an emotional depth that ties into the film’s themes without overwhelming the characters or the story.

Let’s talk about the plot for a second. The movie starts with Rozzum 7134, an all-purpose robot, crash-landing into a wilderness after a storm destroys a ship. The island is filled with animals that are suspicious and scared of her. Rozzum, being programmed to serve, wanders through the wild trying to find someone who might need her help. Her early attempts to communicate are, let’s just say, a bit of a disaster. The animals aren’t too keen on her presence, and she’s branded a “monster.” But Roz doesn’t give up. She starts learning the language of the wild, trying to fit in, though her journey is anything but easy. The breakthrough comes when she finds a little egg and takes on the responsibility of protecting it, which eventually hatches into a gosling named Brightbill. From there, Roz’s purpose shifts and she’s now not just a robot but a mother figure to this little bird.

Now, while the basic storyline may seem like a robot learning how to be human through taking care of a gosling, there’s a lot packed into the 101-minute runtime. The heart of the movie lies in Roz and Brightbill’s relationship. As the gosling hatches and starts seeing Roz as his mother, the bond they form becomes central to the story. Roz, being a machine, has no idea how to raise a baby bird, but she figures it out. From finding food to teaching Brightbill how to swim and eventually fly, Roz grows alongside him. The film beautifully explores not just her relationship with Brightbill but also with the forest and its inhabitants. As she navigates through the challenges of motherhood, the animals who once feared her start becoming part of her makeshift family.

The movie does a brilliant job of balancing its emotional weight with light, humorous moments. The first half focuses on shaping Roz’s character, giving her a personality beyond her robotic programming. By the time the second half rolls around, it’s more about how the world responds to her and the sacrifices she’s willing to make. One of the most touching moments in the film comes from Roz making decisions that are both guided by her robotic nature but also something much deeper—something almost human, like a mother’s instinct. Lupita Nyong’o’s voice work adds so much emotion to Roz’s arc, making her journey from a cold, mechanical entity to a loving mother figure feel incredibly real.

What makes The Wild Robot even more impactful is its approach to character development. The transformation of Roz, from a robot built to follow commands to a nurturing mother, is beautifully mirrored by Brightbill’s own growth from a helpless gosling into a strong, independent bird. And let's not forget Fink, the fox—initially sneaky and self-serving, he ends up playing a surprisingly supportive role, helping Roz and Brightbill when they need it most. The side characters, like Pink the Possum and others in the forest, add depth to the story, making it more than just a tale of survival—it’s a film about connection, community, and what it means to belong.

The background music, composed by Kris Bowers, plays a crucial role in building the film’s emotional atmosphere. The score weaves seamlessly with the narrative, underscoring key moments of tension, joy, and sorrow without being overpowering. You know how a good soundtrack can elevate a scene, right? That’s exactly what Bowers does here. He manages to give the emotional beats more depth, whether it’s a quiet moment of reflection or a thrilling flight through the skies. The music wraps around the story perfectly, adding just the right touch to those heartfelt scenes.

And then there’s the animation—it’s hands-down one of the best things about the film. The hand-painted style feels fresh and nostalgic at the same time, blending the magic of old-school Disney with the breathtaking landscapes we’ve come to expect from Studio Ghibli. The forest setting is brought to life in such a way that it feels like its own character in the film, with every leaf, gust of wind, and drop of water meticulously animated. It’s not just about visual appeal—the artistry of the animation pulls you into Roz and Brightbill’s world, making the wild feel both vast and intimate, a place where you can lose yourself and find family.