The Wasteland Reviewer

Forgotten Island (2026) Written Review

To what lengths would you go to not let your best friend move away? This is a timeless story that has been explored in films for decades. A relatable story for sure, people fear the chance of losing their best friends to distance and time. That is the core conflict of Dreamworks’ latest animated feature, Forgotten Island. Off in the Philippines, two young women, Raissa and Jo, became best friends through a shared love of the strange and quirky (especially the mystical). But Raissa has a great opportunity to go to Cal Tech which would take her an ocean away from Jo (who certainly doesn’t have her life together). On their last night together, they find a portal to the mystical island of Nakali (full of Fillopino folk creatures) that they have dreamed of for years. This unexpected journey becomes quite a thrilling and exciting fantasy adventure.

 How does the dynamic directorial duo of Joel Crawford and Januel P. Mercado bring the film to life? These two filmmakers made a serious splash with Puss and Boots: The Last Wish due to its incredible story and the bold visual experience. Forgotten Island takes those bold visuals and takes them to a whole new level. The colors in the film are so vibrant and pop throughout the film. There are neon effects that create such a distinct environment, especially on the island itself. The use of light and shadow aids in creating such a dynamic and bold cinematic experience that creates a sense of awe and terror at different points in the film. There are some creative choices in the animation that give the film a variety of storytelling approaches that are just clever and engaging to experience. The music is a key piece with plenty of inspired uses of popular music (including a killer montage early in the film) and a strong score by composer Nathan Matthew David. Crawford and Mercado do an excellent job of navigating tonal shifts throughout the film. The film is legitimately hilarious throughout but there are a few key moments with the terrifying antagonist that will probably freak you out. More importantly, there is a depth of emotion that Forgotten Island delivers that will make you feel plenty (especially in the climax of the film). The most dynamic and interesting dimension of the experience is how memories are visualized and diminished throughout the film (the animation of them being forgotten feels so inspired and moving).

Does the screenplay match this bold cinematic presentation? There are a few elements that feel like that don’t play out perfectly but overall, this is a powerfully written film. Some of the comic relief characters and their shenanigans feel a little too silly for the tone of the film. But much of the humor lies in the rich central characters and that is what matters most. Raissa and Jo are layered, dynamic, and well-rounded characters who feel so organic and real. Their dynamic is so powerful because their friendship and connection is built on well-fleshed out personalities that feel naturally connective. Their friendship is one of the most lovely and endearing friendships in recent memory of film. Well before they reach this island, Forgotten Island is a compelling and engrossing film due to its rich exploration and love for Filipino culture and the friendship between our protagonists. The choice of framing many of the events of the film on the island as a mystery gets the audience more engaged and adds some powerful depth. The thematic work around friendship, memory, and folklore is so rich and meaningful. Sure, the friendship arc is familiar, but the writing is so sharp and engaging that you forgive it so quickly. The film is stuffed with interesting characters (even a few who become so much richer and more layered than you would expect).

Where does this voice cast fit into this equation? Liza Soberano and H.E.R. are the lift blood of this film. Their chemistry with each other and their individual character work is quite impressive. They find so much depth in their voice performance and deliver quite the powerful experience. Dave Franco could have easily been a silly and annoying supporting presence in this film, but he brings surprising depth to Raww. You expect Jenny Slate’s presence to be one that is small, but her presence becomes such an impactful piece to this film, and she brings her A-game with her significant character. Jo’s grandmother is not in the film long, but Dolly De Leon is such a force and does top notch character work. Lea Salonga makes quite the impact as such a powerful force in the story, and she is quite frightening at times. Sprinkle in some fun performances from Manny Jacinto, Jo Koy, and Ronnie Chieng and you have quite a charming ensemble. Overall, every performance (no matter how small) fits their roles so perfectly.

Does Forgotten Island continue this hot streak for Dreamworks? Crawford and Mercado are a must-see duo of creators because Forgotten Island is a big win. The amount of love for Filipino culture gives the film such a rich tapestry to tell this beautiful story. The animation is bold and inventive as it fits into this impressive landscape of modern animation. Rich themes and a strong cast tie this all together making Forgotten Island one that will be hard to forget.