The Wild Robot Review: Absolute Cinema

Andrew Miller 2027 / Emertainment Monthly Staff Writer

I make no secret to my friends and colleagues that Puss in Boots: The Last Wish is probably my favorite animated movie of all time. It spoke to me in a way that very few movies had or since. That begs the question, is The Wild Robot; the newest Dreamworks movie, able to dethrone Puss in Boots for me? Short answer? Probably not. But holy mother of God it is good. Really Good. 

Based on the book of the same name by Peter Brown, The Wild Robot tells the story of ROZZUM 7134, or Roz for short, a robot manufactured by the Universal Dynamics company. Roz’s journey begins after a cargo ship carrying her and other robots is destroyed in a violent storm. She washes ashore on a remote, uninhabited island—a stark, natural world vastly different from the structured, industrial environment she was built for.

Alone and surrounded by unfamiliar terrain, Roz must learn to navigate her new environment, filled with dangers and challenges she was never designed to face. Initially, she struggles to interact with the island’s wildlife, which views her as an unwelcome intruder. Over time, however, Roz’s adaptability and curiosity help her find ways to survive and even coexist with the animals. She learns from them, mimicking their behaviors and using her programming to analyze and solve problems.

Roz’s journey takes a profound turn when she discovers a surviving gosling in a damaged egg. In an act of instinctive compassion, she decides to care for the hatchling, whom she names Brightbill. This decision transforms Roz from a passive observer of the island to an active participant in its ecosystem. Her role as Brightbill’s caretaker pushes her beyond her original programming, awakening qualities of empathy, love, and responsibility.

As Roz becomes more integrated into life on the island, she slowly earns the trust of its inhabitants. Her relationships with the animals become a central part of her story, highlighting themes of community, interdependence, and the universal need for connection. Yet, Roz’s presence also raises questions about the balance between technology and nature. Her very existence as a machine in a wild, untamed world creates a fascinating tension that drives much of the film’s emotional and philosophical exploration.

There’s something timeless about stories of robots discovering their humanity. They reflect the very questions we, as humans, wrestle with daily: What does it mean to belong? What is the value of empathy, care, and love? Roz’s journey captures this beautifully as she transitions from being a mere machine to a mother figure, a protector, and a vital part of her newfound community.

The theme of caregiving particularly struck me. It’s a universal concept—parenting, mentoring, or simply supporting one another—that speaks to our shared experiences. When watching the movie, Roz’s transformation feels deeply personal, echoing how we grow and adapt in our own relationships. This exploration reminded me of other iconic robot stories: Data from Star Trek, who seeks emotion and humanity; WALL-E, whose innocent yet profound love speaks volumes; and now Roz, whose ability to care becomes her defining trait.

DreamWorks excels at creating vibrant worlds. Whether that be the parody of modern life in Far Far Away from the Shrek Franchise or the Grandness of Berk from How to Train Your Dragon, the island from this movie is no different. Every aspect of the island appears to have been painstakingly planned to represent its wild beauty and thriving environment. The deep forests are teeming with life, from rustling leaves blowing in the breeze to the delicate features of moss-covered trees. The jagged cliffs and glittering coastlines convey a feeling of solitude and danger, but the sweeping meadows and peaceful lakes give moments of peace and awe. DreamWorks animators have skillfully brought this universe to life, combining hyper-realistic textures with subtle stylization to create an environment that seems both grounded and magical.

I’m proud to say that The Wild Robot is no exception. The island feels alive in every frame, from the lush greenery swaying in the breeze to the detailed wildlife Roz interacts with. Each animal has personality and charm, from the cautious geese who first mistrust Roz to the bear cubs she saves, sparking her first act of true care. The studio’s mastery of blending natural beauty with science fiction is on full display, making Roz’s mechanical design stand out starkly against the organic world—a visual representation of her journey from machine to something more.

The rustic design is immediately appealing, wonderfully capturing the wild nature of the island and Roz’s voyage across it. The brushstroke-like textures give the scenery a handmade touch that seems real and palpable, creating a stark yet harmonic contrast to Roz’s sleek, metallic design. This juxtaposition strengthens the film’s thematic core—an investigation of the relationship between technology and nature—by visually distinguishing both aspects while effortlessly integrating them into the same environment.

The animation absolutely shines in its use of light and music to convey emotion and mood. Whether it’s the warm, golden glow of dawn flowing through the trees or the bright, electric flashes of a thunderstorm illuminating the night, the film employs lighting as a storytelling technique to reflect Roz’s development and the island’s always shifting dynamics. The sounds of nature—gentle waves, rustling foliage, and chirping birds—are combined with the more mechanical hums and clicks of Roz’s motions, resulting in an immersive aural experience that perfectly complements the pictures.

Special mention must go to the sound design and score. From the clanking of Roz’s joints to the rustle of the island’s flora, every sound feels purposeful, grounding us in the setting. The music, a sweeping mix of orchestral and electronic elements, mirrors Roz’s duality—her robotic origins and her growing connection to the natural world. It crescendos in key moments, heightening the emotional beats and leaving you genuinely moved.

The voice cast is stellar, with a standout performance by Lupita Nyong’o as Roz. Nyong’o brings an extraordinary depth to her role, balancing the mechanical precision expected of a robot with a soothing and empathetic tone that evolves as Roz’s character grows. Her delivery captures the innocence and curiosity of a machine grappling with the complexities of life, making Roz feel incredibly real and relatable. Whether Roz is cautiously learning to communicate with the island’s animals or expressing genuine concern for her newfound family, Nyong’o’s voice performance is the emotional core of the film.

Adding to this exceptional cast is Kit Connor, who voices Brightbill, the gosling Roz adopts and raises. Connor infuses Brightbill with boundless energy and charm, creating a heartwarming dynamic between the curious child and his robotic caretaker. His delivery effortlessly conveys Brightbill’s wonder at the world around him and his deep, unwavering bond with Roz. As Brightbill grows into his role as a bridge between Roz and the animal community, Commor’s performance adds layers of humor, vulnerability, and courage that make the character unforgettable.

Together, Nyong’o and Commor create a compelling and deeply emotional relationship that drives the story forward. Roz’s steady, calming presence contrasts beautifully with Brightbill’s lively and excitable nature, resulting in scenes that are both touching and entertaining. Whether they’re navigating the challenges of survival or simply sharing a quiet moment of connection, their chemistry is palpable, anchoring the film’s exploration of family and belonging.

If I could focus and equate this movie to any other piece of media it would be the Star Trek: The Next Generation Episode: “The Measure of a Man.” It asks the same question in which this movie delves: are robots more than silicon and circuity? In this episode, the Enterprise’s Chief Science Officer and resident android, Data is being threatened by being disassembled by a Starfleet Commander to study him due to his rarity on the basis that he is non a sentient being. 

Before any of the Trekkies reading this say anything, yes, I know The Measure of a Man is a court drama with seemingly never-ending exposition and grandeur about the rights of man and machine and The Wild Robot is a fast-paced animated movie, but at their cores, it’s about the same concept.

Roz, stranded on an untamed island, is initially seen as an intruder—an unnatural machine in a natural environment. However, as the movie develops, Roz begins to demonstrate characteristics typically associated with humanity: curiosity, adaptability, and, most importantly, empathy. Her capacity to care for and bond with the island’s creatures, notably her adopted gosling Brightbill, becomes the driving force behind her maturation. Roz’s journey parallels Data’s fight to be recognized as more than a tool, emphasizing the complexities of what it means to fully live and belong.
While The Wild Robot doesn’t surpass Puss in Boots: The Last Wish for me, it doesn’t need to. The two films offer entirely different experiences, and The Wild Robot earns its place as one of DreamWorks’ most thoughtful and emotionally resonant films. Its exploration of humanity, caregiving, and the interplay between technology and nature is executed with such care that it’s hard not to be moved. In a world saturated with sequels and franchise films, The Wild Robot feels like a breath of fresh air—a story with heart, purpose, and something meaningful to say. It’s full of heart, love, and absolute passion for the medium for which Dreamwork has been a champion. And for its thirtieth anniversary as a studio? I think it’s the perfect movie for such an occasion.

So please watch The Wild Robot. And while you’re at it, watch Puss in Boots: The Last Wish too. You won’t regret watching them.

Promise.