The Wasteland Reviewer

The Wild Robot (2024) Written Review

How much can humanity learn from machines? We created them. We have given them enough to make our lives easier. Then we will continue to give these machines more and more so we can do less and less. The fascinating aspect is what can be accomplished through human ingenuity. But there may come a time (hopefully not) when machines do not need us to exist. There is that potential for them to do so many miraculous things. In the world of science fiction, the exploration of the machine exploring the human condition is a tale as old as the genre. Dreamworks Animation has released their latest effort, The Wild Robot, which explores some specific aspects of human experience. 

What themes and ideas stand out in this gorgeous, animated experience? There are two major themes that each are enough to anchor a great film. The Chris Sanders film can nail both and that is what makes this effort so special. The exploration of disability and overcoming those roadblocks is at the core of this film. A robot with broken elements finds ways to supplement and innovate life and thrive in the wilderness. This robot’s mother/son dynamic with a goose who was the runt of a litter and left orphaned is so emotionally resonant and impactful. This young goose was never meant to make it, but they go on a great journey to help him overcome his own ailments and disadvantages. This hits impactfully as a tale of finding one’s path and not letting disability get in the way of thriving. Then the film can capture a beautiful and moving tale of nature and the balance of an ecosystem. There are so many impactful moments of animals helping each other and building a moving sense of community. Throw it into science fiction beats about artificial intelligence and you have quite the thematic mosaic. 

How does Sanders’ film resonate from an experiential perspective? The visuals in this film are breathtaking. The robotic designs have familiar elements but work so perfectly in stark contrast to the rich earthiness of the wilderness. The sleek and purely white machines have the most artificial look possible, and they work perfectly against the backdrop of nature. The animals are designed in a way that balances natural look and cartoonish elements to make them fit perfectly in this visual template. The natural landscapes are drop dead gorgeous. There are plenty of moments that are nothing short of breathtaking. The perfect element that matches the visual mastery is the music. Kris Bowers composed one of the best and most dynamic scores in film this year. The music emotes so richly and captures the scale of specific moments like an epic rescue mission as well as a climatic battle between nature and machines. Sanders can balance legitimately hilarious moments with deeply profound moments of emotion. The last 30 minutes or so of this film just might have you weeping on and off. 

What is the last great element that truly pulls this gorgeous film together? This voice cast is incredible. There is so much emotion and tenderness in the way Lupita Nyong’o brings our mechanical protagonist (Roz) to life. She brings so many layers to each scene. The richness of her presentation and reading of lines is just beautiful. Kit Connor provides an endearing performance as our struggling young goose, Brightbill, who goes on such a meaningful journey. Pedro Pascal can balance the devious nature of a fox with the vulnerability of an animal who was once alone and now finally finds a family. The supporting cast is great with Catherine O’Hara shining as a mother possum (and the young voice actors who bring her babies to life deliver the best gallows humor in a movie in a while). Bill Nighy brings presence and weight as the elder statesman of the geese. Stephanie Hsu is quite unnerving as a retriever robot who is nefarious underneath her “smiling” demeanor. Ving Rhames and Mark Hamill both provide strong and powerful voice performances as well. Matt Berry easily steals each scene with his perfect line delivery (as always) with his beaver character. 

Where did Dreamworks Animation find this mojo? They are firing on all cylinders as The Wild Robot delivers another masterful achievement for the underappreciated American animation studio. Sanders crafts yet another instant classic to match his work on How to Train Your Dragon and Lilo and Stitch. Gorgeous visuals, epic music, a stellar cast, and rich themes makes this another huge win, and this just might be the best animated film of the year.