The Wild Robot

Originally published Oct 7, 2024

This review goes out to my mom, for never giving up on her “assigned task” of raising me.

DreamWorks Animation is a fascinating studio in that you never can quite tell what the quality of their next project will be. While it’s certainly fun to throw shade at the movies that weren’t that good, I feel as though the studio’s highest highs make up for their duds. Enter The Wild Robot.

From the moment I saw the first trailer, I was excited for this movie, and I’m happy to report I wasn’t disappointed. Based on the book series by Peter Brown, The Wild Robot is yet another example of why Chris Sanders is an extraordinary filmmaker. Every frame of animation in this movie felt like an actual painting come to life, and more than deserves to be hung in a fine art museum. The story’s structure is also unique for an animated film as we, the audience, learn about the island, the world, and the titular character’s place in it alongside her. Speaking of which, Roz (Lupita Nyong’o) more than earns her place alongside such icons as WALL-E and the Iron Giant through her adaptive determination and unshakable commitment to Brightbill (Kit Connor). Another character worth mentioning is Fink (Pedro Pascal), who supplies no shortage of humor or heart throughout his blossoming friendship with Roz. The supporting cast, starring such voice talents as Catherine O’Hara, Matt Berry, Bill Nighy (NOT the Science Guy) and Mark Hamill, are all memorable and distinct, though I wish they were more prominent throughout. Finally, the score by Kris Bowers is perfect and powerful, amplifying the drama and emotion of each scene.

This is easily the best animated film I’ve seen this year and you should see it now.

Rating: 9.5/10