The Wild Robot
Synopsis
Going against one’s nature takes on a whole new meaning in Chris Sanders’ The Wild Robot. Following a shipwreck, Universal Dynamics ROZZUM unit 7134 “Roz” (Lupita Nyong’o) sets out to find a customer to serve (literally) among the animals of a local forest. The role she ends up serving is adoptive mother for an orphaned gosling, Brightbill (Kit Connor), after a chaotic series of events entangles them together. With geese migration only several months away, Roz must override her programming and lean on the support of other animals – including the supposed “goose expert” fox, Fink (Pedro Pascal) – if Brightbill is to join his fellow geese on their flight. So clearly we’re talking high stakes here.
Analysis
The unique animation style of The Wild Robot is the first thing that stands out. The movie has a storybook-esque aesthetic: bold colors breathe life into scenes and seem to be paint-brushed onto them, and the contours of the flora and fauna are fuzzy rather than clear. Additionally, the use of 3D models and particle effects (e.g., waves crashing on a beach, falling snow) adds greater realism to each scene. The combination of a story-book aesthetic and computer-generated elements makes the events of the film feel like they’re taking place in an animated world rather than on a flat 2D-plane; this combination also makes the movie’s action sequences beautifully stand out. What you end up with is a visually-pleasing and incredibly immersive viewing experience.
Rather than just being visually appealing, the movie also gets the viewer emotionally invested through the development of Roz’s relationship with Brightbill. The script achieves this by striking a healthy balance between authenticity and sentimentality. Authenticity is reflected in Roz starting off being woefully unequipped to serve as Brightbill’s mother due to her nature, adapting both on her own and by relying on others to become the mother that Brightbill needs, and having the inevitable disagreement with her child every now and then. Sentimentality comes through when Roz and Brightbill recognize how much they mean to each other, and when their love is reflected through their words and actions. This relationship thus moves the viewer because it’s natural yet still pulls at the heartstrings.
I also liked how the movie uses going against one’s programming to build community as its central theme. Roz, Brightbill, Fink, and pretty much all the other animals are forced to rely on adaptation. It’s also important to note how the changes these characters go through benefit them collectively. This all highlights the subtle cleverness of the script. First, the easily relatable concept of adaptation for its focal point. Additionally, The Wild Robot highlights adaptation as beneficial for the whole rather than just for the individual, meaning that the movie is also about the importance of community. Lastly, adaptation serves as the ideal catalyst for change for the main characters, since robots and animals are known for sticking to their nature. In sum, the movie offers a fresh and positive take on adaptation that effectively ties the story together.
All that being said, I did have a few minor gripes with the film. For instance, the movie didn’t land that emotionally with me, since occasionally the many other things that happen in the film take away focus from the central relationship between Roz and Brightbill. I also wish the film had delved more into the world’s futuristic setting; the presence of certain elements in the background (e.g., a submerged Golden Gate Bridge, the impression that Universal Dynamics is an incredibly powerful mega-corporation) makes it obvious that the movie is at least interested in commenting on where society is going, but it doesn’t fully commit. However, I think these critiques are more so nitpicks than substantive.
Conclusion
To conclude, The Wild Robot tells a unique and wholesome story of a machine meets nature. The film has arresting visuals, an emotionally resonant story, and effective use of adaptation for the purpose of community-building as its main theme. While some minor faults slightly dampened my viewing experience, I think this has more to do with me than the film itself. So make sure to give The Wild Robot a watch when you get the chance, and all the better if you can watch it with someone you’re close to.