I love animation and have since I was young so I’m pretty much going to watch anything animated that is released. But that also means that I can be more critical if the story or the animation doesn’t meet my expectations. I was excited when I saw the trailer for The Wild Robot, however. And after watching it, I can tell you that “The Wild Robot” has heart and beauty with spectacular voice acting and fantastic animation. 

“The Wild Robot” is an animated science fiction survival film based on the book series of the same name by Peter Brown, written and directed by Chris Sanders. In the film, set in the future of earth, a ROZZUM robot, unit 7134 crash lands on an island. Roz (Lupita Nyong’o), as she calls herself for short, is activated by the local wildlife. After several misunderstandings between her and the wildlife, Roz studies and learns to communicate but doesn’t plan to remain until she fails to contact her manufacturer. Roz accidentally lands on a goose nest and after finding the lone surviving egg, it hatches and imprints on her. With the help of the animals around her, fox Fink (Pedro Pascal), possum Pinktail (Catherine O’Hara), elder goose Longneck (Bill Nighy), the bear Thorn (Mark Hamill), the falcon Thunderbolt (Ving Rhames) and beaver Paddler (Matt Berry she helps raise Brightbill (Kit Connor). But she soon learns her programming has not prepared her for parenthood and she must fight off Vontra (Stephanie Hsu) who has been sent to retrieve her before she has completed her task. 

The best part about this film is the story, which is full of heart and love. Throughout the film, we see Roz attempting to get along with others, learn about the animals and keep them safe. It is beautiful the way the story highlights protecting the wild but also supporting your community and friendship. At first she, Fink and Brightbill are outsiders to the others because they’re different but as they help and support the others, they soon gain belonging. And not by changing but as the others learn about them as well. I love that all the characters stay true to themselves. And the love that is between Roz and Brightbill is beautiful.

The story is quite hilarious. There are several moments that will make the audience laugh out loud. Pinktail and her crew of children are very funny, especially how the children find ways to ‘die’. The baby possums very much steal the show with their gleeful delight over death. There are laugh out loud moments when raccoons steal parts from Roz and when Brightbill learns to swim. Hint, it takes him a while to get it right. While the story is full of heart, it is the comedic moments interwoven with the more serious scenes that make this film so entertaining. Matt Berry is especially funny as Paddler. 

The animation is beautiful with layered graphics that simulate the natural effects of nature. The computer animation is nicely blended to create more natural artistic scenery. There is a scene with butterflies flying up and it is simply gorgeous. All of the animals are drawn with a style that is authentic and even though they have voices, the natural style is glorious. 

The voice acting is spectacular. This is a fantastic cast and they do a brilliant job with their roles. Lupita Nyong’o plays Roz as an outsider but one with respect for the wild. She plays her character as kind but also struggles with her programming. Kit Connor as Brightbill plays his character with a beautiful and loving dynamic with the character of Roz. The rapport between them is lovely as is the chemistry with Pedro Pascal as Fink. Pedro Pascal portrays Fink as tough but with a sensitive heart. Catherine O’Hara is delightful and funny as Pinktail. Matt Berry is hilarious as Paddler. Bill Nighy portrays Longneck as wise and caring. And Mark Hamill is as brilliant as usual as Thorn. All of the performances are delightful and fun.

The story is not complex but it is full of heart. The only critique I can see is that it might be overly long for children but families will likely still love it. If you love animation, you will fall in love with the beautiful graphics and the wonderfully told story. The narrative is full of heart and beauty with a talented acting cast that brings the characters to life and makes you fall in love with them. Lupita Nyong’O is spectacular as Roz, the animation is gorgeous and I loved the ideas of community, friendship, love and protecting the wild. Personally, I think this truly is the best animated film of the year. 

Rating: 5 out of 5 possums

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