You’ve probably seen a robot befriending a kid in animated movies or watched children quickly bonding with animals in live-action films, but in The Wild Robot, based on Peter Brown’s popular children’s book, you’ll witness something refreshingly unique — a robot who is not just a machine but also embodies the characteristics of an animal as well as a parent.

The Wild Robot is the story of ROZZUM UNIT 7134, aka Roz, a robot who finds herself stranded on a remote, wild island. Roz gradually learns to adapt to the wild island and by accident, Roz eventually forms a bond with a newborn gosling, who becomes her whole world. Roz names the gosling Brightball and raises him as her own. Throughout the 102-minute film, she makes sure all tasks given to Brightball are completed.

The Wild Robot is a story about adaptation and attachment. Roz’s evolution from a programmed machine to a nurturing, loving figure who goes beyond its capabilities, is a journey that many viewers will find deeply moving. The way Roz is accepted by the entire jungle is something many of us can relate to.

The voice acting brings depth to the movie, where we rarely see humans. Lupita Nyong’o provides the voice for Roz, Pedro Pascal as Fink the Fox, Kit Connor as Brightbill the Goose, Catherine O Hara as Pinktail the Opossum, Mark Hamill (famous for voicing the Joker and playing Luke Skywalker in Star Wars) as Thorn the Grizzly Bear, Bill Nighy as Longneck the elderly Goose and Ving Rhames as Thunderbolt the Falcon that taught Brightbill to fly.

The movie is directed by Chris Sanders, known for How to Train Your Dragon and Lilo & Stitch who does an excellent job. It is worth mentioning that he was earlier part of Disney Films when they were making Aladdin, The Lion King, and Beauty and the Beast in the early ‘90s.

The movie is a must-watch for families, blending stunning animation with meaningful life lessons. While parents will appreciate its messages of truth and sacrifice, children will find themselves captivated by its vibrant storytelling and characters. The emotional moments, especially those of separation, are enough to bring a tear to your eye while the celebration at the end would surely make you proud you spent your time watching it.

Published in Dawn, Young World, October 26th, 2024