“The Wild Robot”: A Simple Tale About Parenthood, Survival, and Kindness

Directed by: Christopher Sanders
Rating: 9/10

“The Wild Robot” is a standout Dreamworks project that has captivated audiences with its wholesome and sincere approach to storytelling. The film shines through its realistic depiction of life in the wild, as it doesn’t shy away from the harsh realities of nature. It explores the prey-predator relationship, migration, and the challenges of extreme weather. These mature themes are presented in a way that helps kids understand the complexities of life in the wild.

 At its heart, the film is a simple yet substantial story. It isn’t just about finding a home; it’s about creating one for yourself and those around you. The film beautifully demonstrates how migration can be essential for survival and how letting go can sometimes be a form of protection for ourselves and our loved ones. On a deeper level, when you look at these characters and dissect the people they represent. Brightbill, Fink, and Roz each represent a fundamental aspect of the human journey, and in doing so, they resonate with the core of who we are and the paths we choose.

Brightbill—the goose that grew up being nurtured by a robot and the fox—represents those people who feel an innate pull towards their origin. Some people who were raised in an environment unlike their own are on their journey of self-discovery and belonging. Others tend to go their way and find those people who share their passions and understand the nuances and experiences of their lives. It is not about rejecting the people or community that raised them; it’s about seeking solace and understanding those who share the same belief and mirror their spirit. Just as the geese migrate in order to survive, some people also search for their own flock and tribe to feel truly at home and survive.

 Fink, the solitary fox, represents those people who find peace in solitude, which is often misunderstood by society. In a society where we label these people as outsiders, Fink is a testament to the quiet strength found in being alone and enjoying your own company. Some people feel like they are lone wanderers, perceived by society as distant or “monsters” as what they call the fox, yet they find comfort in the silence and learning to coexist with the people around them. Fink reminds us that walking alone is okay and that solitude can be a friend rather than a foe.

DreamWorks Animation

Lastly, we have Roz, the robot who leaves behind what she knows to protect those around her. Roz’s journey is all about sacrifices and courage, stepping beyond the familiar to ensure the safety of those she loves. It’s a poignant reminder that there are also people who had to make this difficult decision in life, leaving behind the comfort and familiarity of the place they knew for the sake of those they hold dear. Their path is not easy and often misunderstood by those around them, but it’s a powerful narrative of love and protection that sometimes leaving can be a form of protection.

 Each of these characters reflects our own lives and choices. Whether we seek our people like Brightbill, find peace in solitude like Fink, or make sacrifices like Roz, we are all navigating the complex journey of existence in our own unique ways. There is no right or wrong path, only the one that feels true to who we are.

 Staying faithful to the source material, Dreamworks has elevated the story by avoiding unnecessary complications, focusing instead on heartfelt and sincere storytelling. They may not have been consistent in recent years in giving us quality animations, but with the power of Chris Sanders, “The Wild Robot” has managed to salvage the studio. The film is a poignant exploration of parenthood, survival, and kindness, offering a warm embrace to those who are motherless or parentless. Its charm lies not in a complex plot but in its ability to explore mature themes in a way that children and adults can easily reach.

Lupita Nyong’o delivers a standout performance as the voice actor of Roz the Robot, bringing nuances of a robot and warmth to the character. The animation is breathtaking, capturing the beauty and brutality of the wild with stunning detail, with each character being part of this beautifully immersive world that the animation department expertly crafts. With Chris Sanders behind the camera, a legend in animation, “The Wild Robot” emerges as one of the best-animated films of the year, surpassing my much-anticipated “Inside Out 2.” It’s a film that knows how to make the audiences laugh, cry, and affect them with simplicity and aptitude.

 To sum it all up, “The Wild Robot” is a testament to the power of simple yet earnest storytelling. It’s a film that touches the heart while imparting valuable lessons to its audiences. Whether you’re a child or simply a child at heart, this film offers something truly special—a reminder that sometimes, the simplest stories are the ones that stay with us the longest.