Why The Wild Robot is DreamWorks' Best Movie in Years

Why The Wild Robot is DreamWorks’ Best Movie in Years

Welcome to MsMojo, and today we’re discussing why “The Wild Robot” is DreamWorks’ best movie in years and one of their best ever.

Like many other American animation studios, DreamWorks has been leaning more toward sequels and recognizable IP as of late. Although this has resulted in a few movies that exceeded every expectation like “Puss in Boots: The Last Wish,” others have left us starving for something more innovative. Despite technically being based on Peter Brown’s book series, “The Wild Robot” is truly a breath of fresh air. Not just for DreamWorks, but for animation in general. At first glance, the story of a robot gaining a soul might sound familiar. While sure to draw comparison to classics like “The Iron Giant” and “WALL-E,” this is the only movie we can think of where a robot’s sense of humanity stems from wildlife.

Lupita Nyong’o deserves an Annie Award for voicing ROZZUM unit 7134, or Roz. Stranded in a remote forest with no humans in sight, Roz turns to the animals in search of an objective. The animals are naturally alarmed by this mechanical “monster,” although nothing is scarier than nature itself. Harkening to the earlier works of Walt Disney and Don Bluth, “The Wild Robot” isn’t afraid to depict just how unforgiving and cruel nature can be. As cute as the animals are, they know it’s a dog-eat-dog world. Sometimes this is played for humor like when a mother possum shrugs off the notion of her offspring being eaten. It happens! Other times, the film’s portrayal of nature is as intense as a modern PG rating gets.

In arguably the most graphic scene, Roz stumbles into the objective of caring for an egg. Soon enough, that egg is a Canada goose and Roz’s objective becomes her purpose. The goose, named Brightbill, recognizes Roz as his mother. No amount of data or programming can prepare Roz for this role, forcing her to improvise. She also seeks assistance from a sly fox voiced by Pedro Pascal, who - despite his selfish tendencies - comes to see the robot and bird as family. In most animated films aimed at families, the protagonist is usually a younger person with at least one absent parent. “The Wild Robot” is a rare animated feature where a parent takes center stage, relating to older viewers in ways their kids might miss.

The film captures the unpredictability of being a parent, especially when a child is born with special needs. Brightbill is considered a runt. Few believe he’ll survive the wild, let alone fly south one day. Roz remains committed to the young goose, however. Initially, this is due to her programming, which won’t let her stop until a task is fulfilled. In time, though, Roz overrides that programming, becoming genuinely invested in seeing Brightbill succeed. In addition to people with special needs, Brightbill could be seen as an allegory for anybody who’s ever felt different. For many kids, confidence and perseverance start with a parent’s support. When a loving parent stands by you until the end, you may surprise even yourself with what you can accomplish.

Along with parenthood, “The Wild Robot” is a thoughtful commentary on artificial intelligence. As technology grows more advanced, people have rightfully questioned whether society has become too reliant on AI - both in the workplace and at home. A machine can’t replace an animator’s personal touch, just as an iPad is no substitute for a parent. While “The Wild Robot” reveals the dangers of AI, it also examines technology’s benefits when handled responsibly. Early in the film, Roz damages and loses several parts that make her less robotic. Through her experiences with the wildlife, she begins to think more like an individual. Roz finds an unlikely middle ground between the efficiency of a machine and the caring love that only a person can provide.

Speaking of evolving technology, DreamWorks has crafted one of their most beautiful movies yet. Remaining true to the source material’s inviting illustrations, writer/director Chris Sanders wanted the film to possess a painted aesthetic akin to concept art books. It’s reminiscent of the style that’s been growing more popular ever since “Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse.” Instead of a comic book, though, Sanders’ team draws inspiration from Disney films like “Bambi” and the works of Hayao Miyazaki, especially “My Neighbor Totoro.” “The Wild Robot” may’ve been made using computers, but every frame feels as if they were painted on location. In a film that’s about cutting-edge technology learning to coexist with nature, the blending of styles serves as a perfect visual representation of unity.

The visuals are so engrossing that we initially wondered if “The Wild Robot” would’ve worked better as a dialogue-free film. It might’ve been ambitious, but it’d deprive us of Sanders’ timeless dialogue and several heartfelt performances. Kit Connor of “Heartstopper” hits all the right beats as Brightbill, believably maturing the character from an outcast to a leader. Pascal might as well have voiced a chameleon because he’s practically unrecognizable as Fink the fox. Catherine O’Hara, Bill Nighy, Matt Berry, and Mark Hamill round out the wildlife in wonderful supporting performances. Lupita Nyong’o is the movie’s soul, though, gradually evolving Roz from a walking advertisement to a nurturing caregiver. Listening to these characters, we don’t envision celebrities in a recording booth. We just see the characters.

Unconventional families have been a recurring theme throughout Sanders’ filmography. In “Lilo & Stitch,” an alien helps to mend a broken home as two sisters adapt to life without their parents. In “How to Train Your Dragon,” a father and son see eye to eye for the first time as two feuding worlds come together. In “The Croods,” a traditional Stone Age family evolves while also coming to value each other. Echoes of Sanders’ past films can be found in “The Wild Robot.” This includes his first live-action film, “The Call of the Wild,” which could also be brutal in its portrayal of nature. Yet, it never feels like Sanders is repeating himself, exploring these themes as if we were experiencing them for the first time.

Sanders has been nominated for three Academy Awards, although he’s yet to win. While 2024 has given us audience hits like “Inside Out 2” and independent darlings like “Memoir of a Snail,” “The Wild Robot” just might be Sanders’ path to an overdue Oscar. Why stop there? Aside from considering Sanders in other categories like Best Director and Best Adapted Screenplay, the Academy shouldn’t overlook Kris Bowers’ mystical musical score, Chris Stover’s immersive cinematography, or Raymond Zibach’s atmospheric production design. Too often Oscar voters forget Best Animated Feature isn’t the only category that can honor animation. That said, this may be DreamWorks’ first win in the category since “Wallace & Gromit: The Curse of the Were-Rabbit.” Excluding co-productions, it’d be DreamWorks Animation’s first Oscar since “Shrek.”

While “The Wild Robot” is sure to mark several milestones for DreamWorks, one carries a bittersweet sentiment. Per Cartoon Brew, DreamWorks will depend more on partnerships with outside animation studios going forward, meaning “The Wild Robot” may be their Glendale campus’ last entirely in-house production. DreamWorks isn’t going anywhere, but this seems like the end of an era. In a way, this is mirrored in “The Wild Robot.” Without going into spoilers, the film’s ending deals with separation, yet provides hope that loved ones will find each other again. DreamWorks has gotten lost more than once throughout its history. If they continue to produce films like “The Wild Robot,” though, the future promises to be optimistic, no matter what changes await.

What did you think of “The Wild Robot?” Let us know in the comments.