“The Wild Robot” is an animated science fiction adventure film released on September 27, 2024. Produced by DreamWorks Animation and directed by Chris Sanders, the movie brings to life Peter Brown’s beloved 2016 novel. With a unique watercolor aesthetic, the film explores themes of technology, nature, and motherhood, capturing the hearts of both children and adults.
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Plot Summary
The story follows Roz, a ROZZUM unit 7134 robot, who becomes stranded on an uninhabited island after a shipwreck. Alone and out of her element, Roz must adapt to the wild environment, learning to communicate with the island’s animal inhabitants. As she integrates into the ecosystem, Roz discovers the true meaning of family and survival, forming an unexpected bond with an orphaned gosling named Brightbill.
What’s Good?
One of the film’s standout features is its stunning animation. The watercolor-inspired visuals pay homage to classic Disney films and Studio Ghibli’s works, creating a vibrant and immersive world. The attention to detail in depicting the island’s flora and fauna enhances the storytelling, making the environment feel alive.
The voice acting is exceptional, with Lupita Nyong’o bringing depth and warmth to Roz. Her portrayal captures the robot’s journey from a programmed machine to a loving mother figure. Kit Connor voices Brightbill, infusing the character with innocence and curiosity. The supporting cast, including Pedro Pascal and Stephanie Hsu, deliver strong performances that add richness to the narrative.
Kris Bowers’ musical score complements the film’s emotional beats beautifully. The music enhances the storytelling, evoking a range of emotions from tension during perilous moments to warmth during scenes of bonding.
Director Chris Sanders’ vision is evident in the seamless blend of adventure, emotion, and visual artistry. His experience in crafting animated stories shines through, making “The Wild Robot” a compelling watch.
Strengths and Weaknesses
The film’s strengths lie in its visual storytelling and character development. The animation style sets it apart from other contemporary animated films, offering a fresh aesthetic that appeals to audiences seeking something different. The relationship between Roz and Brightbill is heartwarming, providing emotional depth that resonates with viewers.
However, some critics note that the film’s pacing could be improved. Certain scenes may feel prolonged, potentially causing younger viewers to lose interest. Additionally, while the environmental themes are commendable, they might come across as heavy-handed to some, detracting from the narrative’s subtlety.
Target Audience
“The Wild Robot” is ideal for families and animation enthusiasts. Its universal themes of adaptation, family, and the intersection of technology and nature make it suitable for viewers of all ages. Fans of Studio Ghibli and classic Disney animations will particularly appreciate the film’s artistic style and storytelling approach.
Box Office Details
Produced on a budget of $78 million, “The Wild Robot” has been a commercial success. As of December 2024, the film has grossed approximately $324.2 million worldwide, making it the fifth-highest-grossing animated film of the year.
In its opening weekend, the film earned $35.8 million, accounting for 25% of its total gross. The domestic box office contributes 44.2% of the total earnings, with the remaining 55.8% from international markets.
While specific day-wise earnings for the first five days are not publicly available, the film maintained a strong presence in theaters, showing in approximately 3,962 theaters during its opening and reaching a maximum of 3,997 theaters. The film’s performance indicates a positive reception from audiences worldwide.
Recommendation
“The Wild Robot” is a visually stunning and emotionally engaging film that offers a fresh take on the intersection of technology and nature. Its compelling storytelling and beautiful animation make it a must-watch for families and animation lovers alike.
For a glimpse into this enchanting world, you can watch the official trailer below:
Genres:
Animation, Action, Science Fiction, Family
Rating:
8.4/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Lupita Nyong’o | Roz / Rummage (voice) |
| Pedro Pascal | Fink (voice) |
| Kit Connor | Brightbill (voice) |
| Bill Nighy | Longneck (voice) |
| Stephanie Hsu | Vontra (voice) |
| Matt Berry | Paddler (voice) |
| Ving Rhames | Thunderbolt (voice) |
| Mark Hamill | Thorn (voice) |
| Catherine O’Hara | Pinktail (voice) |
| Boone Storm | Baby Brightbill (voice) |
| Alexandra Novelle | Snowdown (voice) |
| Raphael Alejandro | Peck (voice) |
| Paul-Mikél Williams | Feather (voice) |
| Eddie Park | Honkington (voice) |
| Dee Bradley Baker | Raccoons / Squirrels / Badgers (voice) |
| Randy Thom | RECOs (voice) |
| Avrielle Corti | Automated Alarms (voice) |
| Keston John | Weasel 1 (voice) |
| Max Mittelman | Weasel 2 (voice) |
| Piotr Michael | Broadfoot / Weasel 3 (voice) |
| Alessandro Beghi | Baby Opossum 1 (voice) |
| Tiago Martinez | Baby Opossum 2 (voice) |
| Becca Last | Baby Opossum 3 (voice) |
| Madelyn Turpin | Baby Opossum 3, 4, 5, 6 (voice) |
| Kayleigh Rayne | Baby Opossum 4, 7 / Baby Bunny 2 / Baby Skunk (voice) |
| Isabelle Tupin | Baby Opossum 8, 9 / Baby Bunny 1 (voice) |
| Beckett Blomberg | Baby Opossum 10 / Chipmunk / Baby Lynx (voice) |
| Damon Fung | Baby Opossum 11 / Baby Otter (voice) |
| King Moore | Baby Opossum 12 (voice) |
| Collin Erker | Skunk (voice) |
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Disclaimer: Some of the information on the article, including box office collection, cast, crew, and movie details, is sourced from IMDb. However, our reviews are based on our team's firsthand viewing experience and reflect our honest opinions about the movie.
