Cast: Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal, Catherine O’Hara, Bill Nighy, Kit Connor, Stephanie Hsu, Mark Hamill, Matt Berry and Ving Rhames
Genre: Animated Drama
Director: Chris Sanders
In Irish Cinemas: Now
The Wild Robot is the cinematic adaptation of Peter Brown’s acclaimed 2016 novel, which garnered widespread praise upon its release. Hailed as one of the year’s top children’s books by prestigious outlets like Kirkus Reviews, the New York Public Library, Publishers Weekly, and Shelf Awareness, the novel quickly became a modern classic. The film brings to life the story of Roz, a robot stranded on a remote, uninhabited island after a shipwreck. Struggling to survive in the wild, Roz must learn to navigate her new environment, forging connections with the island’s animals in unexpected ways. Along the way, she adopts and raises an orphaned gosling named Brightbill, and through her journey, she discovers what it means to belong and care for others in a world she was never designed to understand. The film explores themes of adaptation, motherhood, and the balance between technology and nature, capturing the heart of Brown’s beloved story.
Directed by Chris Sanders, best known for his work on beloved animated classics like Lilo & Stitch and How to Train Your Dragon, the filmmaker first came across the book through his daughter. Immersing himself in its world and themes, Sanders developed a deep familiarity with the story long before being offered the opportunity to bring it to life on screen years later. Rather than relying solely on CGI, Sanders deliberately incorporated hand-painted techniques into the animation process. He aimed to evoke the nostalgic charm of traditional Disney films while also drawing inspiration from the legendary Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, known for his richly detailed and painterly style. This blend of modern technology and classic artistry helped create a unique visual aesthetic that paid homage to Western and Eastern animation traditions.
A cargo ship from Universal Dynamics encounters a violent storm, causing several ROZZUM robots to be lost at sea. Only one robot, Roz, survives the wreckage and washes ashore on a seemingly uninhabited island. Stranded and alone, Roz struggles to connect with the local wildlife, her attempts at communication falling flat and leaving her feeling isolated in the unfamiliar environment. In a tragic accident, Roz crushes a goose’s nest, but when she discovers a surviving egg, she takes on the responsibility of caring for it. This unlikely act of kindness leads to an unexpected bond with the gosling that eventually hatches, marking the beginning of Roz’s transformation from a mere machine into something far more empathetic and connected to the natural world. The film boasts an impressive voice cast led by Lupita Nyong’o, who lends her voice to the titular character Roz. Joining her is Pedro Pascal and two celebrated British actors, Bill Nighy and Matt Berry, whose performances bring depth and charm to the supporting characters. This star-studded ensemble adds further appeal to the film, enhancing its emotional resonance with their distinctive talents.
Wild Robot is a masterclass in storytelling and undoubtedly Chris Sanders’ finest work to date. Visually breathtaking and emotionally resonant, this film perfectly balances heartwarming sentiment and sheer cinematic spectacle. With its captivating narrative and stunning animation, Wild Robot blends the best elements of E.T. the Extra-Terrestrial, Wall-E, and How to Train Your Dragon. The result is a film that not only pleases crowds but also stirs the soul, making it a strong contender for the best-animated movie of this year—and potentially one of the most memorable animated films in recent history.
Overall: 8/10