If you’re looking for a movie that will tug at your heartstrings, make you laugh, and have you marveling at every frame, The Wild Robot is an absolute must-watch! I just wish I’d seen it in 2024 because it would have made it high on my 2024 list. Directed by Chris Sanders and based on Peter Brown’s bestselling novel – that I am now eager to read -, this animated film completely blew me away. I went in with mild expectations, thinking this was a kid-friendly adult animated movie for some reason but I’d define it as a true family film. It’s not an adult-friendly kid film either, it’s a visual and emotional gem that is fun with heartwarming story for all ages.

Let’s start with the animation: WOW. The watercolor aesthetic gives the entire movie a unique, painted vibe. So many of the frames feel like they belongs in an art gallery – or at the very least as a screensaver. They’re breathtaking and different from the newer animation styles we see. It pulls you into the natural beauty of the island, making it feel both wild and magical.

Then there’s the story. Roz, an intelligent service robot voiced by Lupita Nyong’o, washes up on this island after a shipwreck with no human to take care of, and has to figure out how to fulfill her program. What follows is an incredible journey of bonding with the island’s animals and raising an orphaned baby goose named Brightbill (voiced by Kit Connor). Yes, you read that right: a robot and a goose. And somehow, it’s one of the most touching relationships I’ve seen in a while. I cried three times – THREE TIMES – watching this film but I was touched the whole way through.

The characters are memorable. Roz is such a well-rounded protagonist – she’s curious, caring, and a total badass when she needs to be. Brightbill is just adorable, and their bond is the heart of the movie. And then there’s Fink, the sneaky fox voiced hilariously by Pedro Pascal. He and the opossums brought so much humor to the film. It’s such a great balance of emotions; one minute, you’re laughing, and the next, you’re tearing up.

The voice acting is another standout. Nyong’o brings so much warmth and depth to Roz while still making her feel like a robot, and Connor makes Brightbill so lovable and brave. Catherine O’Hara, Ving Rhames, Mark Hamill, Stephanie Hsu, Matt Berry, and Bill Nighy round out the cast beautifully. You can tell who’s who if you’re familiar with them, but their performances are so seamless that it’s never distracting. I didn’t think about them; I was lost in their characters.

This movie doesn’t just entertain; it leaves you with so much to think about. It’s about survival, family, and what it means to care for each other, even across species (or in this case, between a robot and animals). It’s wholesome, it’s heartwarming, and it’s impactful.

I can’t remember the last time I cried this much over a movie, let alone a robot and a f’ing goose! The Wild Robot isn’t just a film, it’s an experience. It’s beautiful, emotional, and incredibly re-watchable. I’ll be revisiting this one for years to come. If you haven’t seen it yet, do yourself a favor and check it out. Bring tissues!

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Rating: 9 out of 10.

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