The Academy Award-nominated animated film ‘The Wild Robot’, directed by Chris Sanders and based on Peter Brown’s beloved children’s book, is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant tale about love, adaptation, and family.
The story follows Rozzum Unit 7134 (voiced by Lupita Nyong’o), a task-oriented robot washed ashore on a remote island. Programmed to help others, Rozz embarks on a journey of survival and understanding in a natural world she cannot fully comprehend.
Her first night on the island—filled with encounters with raccoons, bears, and possums—culminates in her finding and caring for an unhatched baby bird named Brightbill (voiced by Kit Connor).
As Rozz learns to nurture Brightbill, she evolves from a mechanical helper into a compassionate parental figure, with the film’s painterly visuals and sharp humor enriching her transformation. Every frame is absolutely gorgeous.
The film explores themes of individuality and chosen family, and Chris Sanders’s script highlights Rozz’s unconventional parenting, which isolates Brightbill from his flock but also shapes him into something extraordinary.
The voice performances are fantastic, particularly Nyong’o’s, which moves from robotic staccato to a compassionate and sincere longing for connection. Pedro Pascal is fantastic, too, as a sly fox. The characters are eclectic, and Kris Bowers’ sumptuous score elevates the emotional moments.
Although briefly interrupted by an unnecessary mid-film song by Maren Morris, which was distracting and out-of-place, the story’s sincerity and gorgeous animation keep it deeply engaging for children and adults.
The Wild Robot is a heartfelt exploration of love’s many forms and the unexpected ways we discover our place in the world.. and I’m still recovering.
Letter Grade: A