The Wild Robot

Directed & Screenplay by: Chris Sanders

Based on the book by Peter Brown, The Wild Robot tells the story of Roz(Lupita Nyong’o), a ROZZUM droid designed to help its owner to complete any task they need. But, she finds herself stranded out of place, in the wild. Here Roz finds herself amongst the animals of the forest, trying to understand her surroundings and importantly find a task to complete. Once she finds her task, in the shape of a baby goose (Kit Connor).With the help of a fox (Pedro Pascal), she learns new skills, the importance of working together, friendship and love that helps her realise what helping really means.

While I don’t think this is going to be a classic, it is a gorgeous film that deals with a range of themes, threats to the planet, family, friendship, love and growing up.

As you’d expect from DreamWorks the animation is flawless, with a beautifully rendered wilderness. The action is often fast and furious with a range of endearing characters from across the animal kingdom.

On the negative side the story did feel a little disjointed. It has a nice clear story about parenting, growing up and dealing with difference. But It then seems to take a strange turn with a story about Roz’s makers, that all felt a little tacked on and unnecessary. But overall the story is fun and does have some fine bits of dark humour that take advantage of the, sometimes, harsh realities of nature.

The voice cast are good, with the central trio well supported especially by Catherine O’Hara’s Possum, Bill Nighy’s elder Goose and Matt Berry’s determined tree chewing beaver. And all help to deliver an overall uplifting and engaging story, that covers a broad array of topics.

I’m not sure The Wild Robot is destined to be a classic, with a story that seems to lose its way. But It is a colourful fast paced adventure. It looks great, has a sense of humour and  has a point to make. Not a classic, but an enjoyable robot meets nature adventure.