Chris Sanders‘ The Wild Robot is a gorgeously thoughtful spectacle and one of the best animated films of the decade. It isn’t often that I have to sit with a film, digest it, and then find all the right words to do its review justice.
There are few things in the world more challenging than motherhood. People often expect too much out of women, say very little, and seldom extend a hand when it’s needed without judgment or shame. At the same time, there’s the artificial intelligence of it all—the belief in 2024 that a robot can achieve anything a human can. But that’s not the moral held in The Wild Robot because the film focuses on the hardships and the importance of learning. There’s no thievery here, even where a stereotypical fox is concerned.
In many ways, the film is similar to Disney’s Zootopia, with themes and motifs that are more complex and daring. It’s a reminder that the difficult things in our world are the ones worth chasing and growing in. If a gosling must learn to fly even without a family, then at some point, it’ll also learn the value of forgiveness—it’ll learn what a heart and soul feel like. The message of inclusivity in The Wild Robot is so intricately woven into an already compelling story that it feels more evocative.
There are a few things humans and animals feel similarly, and one of them is the overwhelming reaction to fear. It’s a driving point for almost everything we do and who we become. As jarring as it might be, it’s natural to accept that fear will always exist in our world. The animated film takes the feeling of it and reminds audience members that love is the only thing that can combat it. And it’s that very love that then makes the film a true masterpiece.
Every frame is sprinkled with a bold, beautifully vulnerable form of love, so much so that when you leave the theater and dry your tears, you can’t help but feel okay for a little while. This form of compassionate storytelling also reminds us of the significance of placing heart at the center of all creative endeavors. It’s why no matter how tactile or formal a writer’s style might be, it’ll still have more soul than something written by AI. It isn’t a formula that makes a piece of art beautiful, but it’s the bit of soul the writer sprinkles into every brush stroke.
The Wild Robot shows us what a compelling story looks like by ensuring that every moment in the film dazzles and stuns with characters that are both adorable and surprisingly complex. It’s a story about friendship, motherhood, and the inexplicable loneliness of being an outsider. It’s also a genuine display of what kindness looks like and how it shines best when people choose to be there for others.
As far as animations go, I wish I was more artistic in knowing all the right words to use because I’ve never felt more entranced by colors before. The directorial and writing choices allow the characters to drive the plot forward while the film shines as a kaleidoscope you can’t look away from, making it an admirable feat deserving of every accolade come award season. It’s a reminder of how significant animation truly is—an example of magic in its most transcendent form—and instead of all the major budget cuts, we should be rewarding them far, far more.
The Wild Robot is now playing in theaters.
First Featured Image | Official Poster Credit: ©DreamWorks, Universal Pictures