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It takes a lot for a new children's book to become broadly popular, but 2016's The Wild Robot did just that with its simple but heartfelt story about a robot that finds itself accidentally stranded on an island, forcing it to adapt to a world for which it was not programmed. That instant classic status has now been solidified with its adaptation into an animated movie of the same name .
Roz (Lupita N'yongo) is a helper robot designed to aid humans with almost anything they might need. Instead of its intended destination, though, it mysteriously finds itself washed up on an uninhabited island filled with a variety of animals. The curious creatures soon activate the robot, and it spends a lot of time trying to figure out its purpose in a world devoid of humans.
Roz finds that purpose with a parentless gosling it names Brightbill (Kit Connor). Given instructions by other geese that Brightbill must learn to survive on its own, Roz and a helpful fox named Fink (Pedro Pascal) proceed to do everything in their power to teach Brightbill how to eat, swim, and fly. The straightforward quest turns out to be anything but, with more than a few surprises along the way.
Directed by Chris Sanders (Lilo & Stitch, How to Train Your Dragon) and written by Sanders and Peter Brown, the film has a sweet story, although it's not as affecting as one might expect. The filmmakers focus on creating a strong bond with Roz as the robot is put through a lot of stress, from the natural elements to aggressive animals to not knowing what its mission is. Once Brightbill enters the picture, those feelings are heightened, but the "mother-son" relationship never reaches its full potential.
In addition to the never-ending (and unintended) education of Roz, the film retains its watchability thanks to a load of off-kilter humorous moments. Because it features mostly talking animals, there is a good amount of cutesiness, but the filmmakers add in a few details that make it more pointed than your typical kids movie. The necessary relationship between predators and prey is touched on more than once, with funny (and slightly gruesome) results. And scenes late in the film seem to be a commentary on climate change without being heavy-handed.
Fans of the original book may be disappointed to find that the movie creates its own look, starting with a rounder, sleeker Roz. The animals and natural scenery all feel more rustic, with a fuzziness around the edges that complements the outdoor setting. While perhaps not as immersive as some other modern animated movies, the film has a style that's dazzling in its own right.
N'yongo has a calming voice that fits Roz perfectly. Thankfully, she forgoes any robotic affect, choosing instead to use a steady, unemotional tone that makes the character appealing nonetheless. No one else is especially memorable in the voice department, even though the film contains big names like Pascal, Ving Rhames, Bill Nighy, Catherine O'Hara, and Mark Hamill.
The Wild Robot is a solid film with some nice messages for children, even if it falls short of being one that demands an immediate rewatch. The book (and its sequels) will continue to be read by kids for generations to come, with the movie serving to bring its story to an even wider audience.
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The Wild Robot opens in theaters on September 27.
