Animation has long been one of my absolute favorite mediums, capturing my imagination in ways few others can. In fact, half of my personal top 10 films are animated, a testament to my deep love for the art form. It’s more than just a trip down memory lane—it’s a storytelling powerhouse that unpacks complex themes with a grace that remains accessible while never underestimating its audience. Though some animated films are simplified to cater solely to children, the best ones strike an extraordinary balance, leaving a lasting impact on viewers of all ages.

 

This artistic approach was catapulted into the spotlight in the early '90s through the visionary work of Studio Ghibli’s Hayao Miyazaki and Isao Takahata, and continued to flourish with Pixar’s groundbreaking films in the late '90s and early 2000s. Around the same time, DreamWorks entered the scene with its own critical triumphs, including The Prince of Egypt, Shrek, and How to Train Your Dragon. Though it’s been some time since DreamWorks delivered a film of that caliber, The Wild Robot steps in to fill the void. Profound, emotionally charged, and brimming with heart, The Wild Robot captivates audiences of all ages, weaving together stunning animation, a sweeping score, and a deeply resonant story that touches both families and adults alike.

 

Set in a near-future world, a shipwreck leaves a group of ROZZUM Robots marooned on an uninhabited island. Only one unit, 7134—known as “Roz” (voiced by Lupita Nyong’o)—survives intact. Upon activation, Roz dutifully follows her programming to assist those in need, but her mission hits a major snag: the island’s animals can’t communicate with her. Despite this barrier, Roz is hardwired to overcome challenges, and through persistence, she gradually carves out her place in the wild, slowly becoming part of the untamed world around her.

 

Roz's well-meaning attempts to help, despite the animals' inability to understand her, spark a series of hilarious and heartwarming moments where her good intentions inadvertently unleash chaos. This light yet captivating introduction effortlessly blends humor with deeper storytelling, striking the perfect balance between entertainment and thoughtfulness. The result is a film that resonates with audiences of all ages, delivering its meaningful themes without ever resorting to simplicity or condescension.

 

Roz's literal interpretation of commands and struggle to grasp nuance immediately resonated with me as a metaphor for individuals on the autism spectrum. The challenge of navigating implied meanings and taking words at face value are hallmark traits of this neurological difference. With a diagnosis rate of roughly 1 in 100—and likely many more undiagnosed—this theme feels especially relevant, particularly for children. The film masterfully captures the isolation that often comes from being unable to connect with others, while also highlighting the quiet beauty in Roz’s kindness and her unwavering determination to bridge that gap.

 

As the story unfolds, Roz takes on the unexpected role of caretaker to an orphaned gosling, with some guidance from her sly fox companion (voiced by Pedro Pascal). Initially unsure and hesitant, Roz gradually steps into the role of motherhood, aided by the wisdom of a sage opossum (Catherine O’Hara). The film doesn’t gloss over the challenges of parenthood—the weight of responsibility, the pressure to get it right, and the overwhelming sense of being unprepared. Yet, it beautifully illustrates how both Roz and the gosling grow and evolve. Much like nature itself, parenthood is ever-changing, and Roz transforms from a mere problem-solver into the nurturing caregiver her adopted child desperately needs.

 

As Brightbill (voiced by Kit Connor) matures, his unconventional upbringing under Roz leads to some quirky and unusual behaviors. When he finally encounters a flock of wild geese, he’s awestruck by the sight of others who look just like him, highlighting the profound need for community and shared identity. However, Brightbill’s differences quickly make him a target for bullying by the larger, more dominant geese. The experience of bullying—a struggle many endure in childhood—shapes who we become as adults, often leaving behind deep-seated insecurities. This is yet another layer where The Wild Robot strikes a powerful chord, offering viewers of all ages something deeply relatable to connect with.

 

The film deliberately takes its time to unravel its themes, crafting a deeply emotional and immersive viewing experience. Each of the four major sequences carries an escalating emotional intensity, building upon the last to create a narrative that resonates on multiple levels. While this structure breaks away from the traditional three-act format, it allows for a richer exploration of emotional depth. Though the fourth sequence slightly disrupts the pacing, it hardly diminishes the film’s overall impact, adding complexity and reinforcing the emotional journey at the heart of the story.

 

Beyond its emotional depth, The Wild Robot stands as a visual marvel, a true masterpiece of animation. Its distinct, breathtaking style grips you from the very first frame, unlike anything I’ve encountered before. Writer/Director Chris Sanders masterfully blends inspiration from Disney classics and Miyazaki’s timeless works, creating a cinematic experience that feels both nostalgic and fresh. The film stirs memories of beloved childhood favorites like Bambi, The Fox and the Hound, and My Neighbor Totoro, while seamlessly weaving in the more mature, layered themes reminiscent of Princess Mononoke.

 

Sanders likened the animation style to "a Monet painting in a Miyazaki forest," a description that couldn’t be more fitting for the film’s enchanting aesthetic. The accompanying score heightens every emotional moment, especially during the breathtaking first flight sequence, where animation, visual effects, cinematography, and sound blend together in perfect harmony. This scene emerges as one of the year’s most visually striking, evoking the awe and wonder of the iconic “Leap of Faith” sequence in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.

 

The Wild Robot effortlessly ranks among the finest animated films—and perhaps one of the best films—I’ve seen in years. It’s rare for a film to deliver such a powerful emotional punch, but when a gem like The Wild Robot comes along, it’s absolutely worth going out of your way to experience it.