The Wild Robot

The wild robot is a remarkable achievement in animation, blending emotional depth and visual beauty in a way that leaves a lasting impression. Director Chris Sanders, known for his work on Lilo & Stitch and How to Train Your Dragon, has taken Peter Brownet's novel and transformed it into a story that transcends the typical family film, tackling deeper themes such as motherhood, community and what it means to truly belong.

The premise is deceptively simple: a robot, ROZZUM Unit 7134, played by Lupita Nyong'o (in the original), crash-lands on a remote island teeming with wildlife. With no humans to serve, Roz, as she's known, must find a new raison d'être. This accident is the starting point for a series of encounters during which Roz familiarizes herself with the subtleties of the animal kingdom, learns their languages and customs, and ends up adopting a gosling named Brightbill. The relationship between Roz and Brightbill, played by Kit Connor, forms the emotional core of the film. Roz, programmed solely for service, gradually discovers the unpredictable and overwhelming emotions associated with motherhood - emotions she was not designed to feel, but which she nonetheless ends up embodying.

Chris Sanders' direction, combined with Kris Bowers' moving score and Raymond Zibach's pictorial design, creates a world that feels alive and wonderful. The island, with its lush forests and changing seasons, provides a stunning backdrop for Roz's journey, a stark contrast to its mechanical rigidity. As Roz integrates herself into this world, the images reflect her transformation, with subtle details like the moss that grows on her once immaculate exterior, symbolizing her connection to the natural world.

The film tackles universal themes that resonate with children and adults alike. Roz's journey from cold, unfeeling machine to nurturing mother figure mirrors the complexities of real-life parenthood. At one point, Roz confesses, “I'm not programmed to be a mother,” to which Catherine O'Hara's possum mother Pinktail wisely replies, “Nobody is.” This line captures the essence of the film's exploration of family and responsibility, suggesting that the act of parenthood - whether biological or not - comes with no manual, only a deep-rooted obligation to care, protect and let go.

The relationship between Roz and Brightbill becomes the heart of the film, underscoring the sacrifices and emotional growth that come with raising a child. Pedro Pascal, in the role of Fink, the cunning but ultimately benevolent fox, provides a counterpoint to Roz's journey, representing the rougher side of the island. His character evolves from potential predator to unlikely ally, reflecting the film's broader themes of community and interconnectedness. The strange partnership between Roz and Fink testifies to the idea that even the most disparate beings can find common ground.

Visually, The Wild Robot is breathtaking, blending 2D animation and painterly textures reminiscent of Studio Ghibli films and Disney classics. Each scene is meticulously crafted, with the island's changing seasons serving as both a narrative and emotional tool, reinforcing the film's message of growth and transformation. The attention to detail extends to the animals, whose behaviors and interactions are rendered with a realism that grounds the film, despite its fantastical elements.

It's in its final act that the film stumbles slightly. As Universal Dynamics, the company that created Roz, sends a military force to retrieve her, the tone shifts from an intimate character study to a more traditional action sequence. The character of Vondra, a cold-hearted robot sent to capture Roz, introduces a viciousness that seems at odds with the film's meditative pace. Although these scenes add tension, they don't reach the emotional heights of Roz's calmer moments with Brightbill and the other islanders.

Nevertheless, The Wild Robot never loses sight of its heart. At its best, it's a deeply moving exploration of love, sacrifice and how we define family. It asks profound questions about what it means to care for another being, and challenges the idea that love is a strictly human trait. Lupita Nyong'o's nuanced vocal performance brings Roz to life in a way that is both robotic and deeply human, making her journey from programmed machine to loving mother captivating.

The Wild Robot is a film about finding one's place in the world, even when that world seems completely alien. It's about the power of connection, the sacrifices we make for those we love, and the strength that comes from accepting vulnerability. Chris Sanders has crafted a timeless film that will resonate with viewers long after the credits roll, leaving them wondering about the thin line between machine and mother, purpose and love. A new masterpiece of contemporary cinema for all generations to see again and again, and one that we can only recommend you discover at the cinema.

The Wild Robot
Written and directed by Chris Sanders
Produced by Jeff Hermann
Based on Peter Brown's The Wild Robot
Starring Lupita Nyong'o, Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor, Bill Nighy, Stephanie Hsu, Mark Hamill, Catherine O'Hara
Editing: James Ryan
Music: Kris Bowers
Production company: DreamWorks Animation
Distributed by Universal Pictures
Release date: September 8, 2024 (TIFF), September 27, 2024 (U.S.), October 9, 2024 (France)
Running time: 101 minutes

Seen on October 11, 2024 at the UGC Le Majestic (Meaux) cinema, room 4, seat G10

Mulder's Mark: