'The Wild Robot' TIFF review: An instant animated classic

Courtesy of Universal/TIFF

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Continuing to cement their status as an alternative to the Pixar machine, Dreamworks Animation’s “The Wild Robot” doesn’t just put itself in the conversation as one of the best animated movies of the year, but one of the best movies of the year period. A wondrous and exhilarating adaptation of Peter Brown’s beloved children's books, “The Wild Robot” is a carefully crafted, fresh take on modern parenting and the power of family from writer-director Chris Sanders, who melted our hearts with “Lilo & Stitch,” and “How To Train Your Dragon.” 

As the film opens, we meet Rozzum 7134 (voiced by Luptia Nyong’o), later known as Roz, who has awakened on an island populated by wild and tame creatures. Her programming dictates she cannot harm another living thing and she quickly finds herself in the midst of adapting and learning the ways of her new sanctuary. The main one, of course, is learning how to communicate with the animals by simply listening to their natural sounds which then eventually translate (for the audience as Roz finally processes it) to english. It’s one of many fun creative choices the filmmakers employ to solidify the depth of this world. 

Roz feels trapped on the island as the animals don’t require assistance despite her protocol of being of service to anyone and anything in a nearby vicinity. All the animals are scared of her. That is until she accidentally kills a family of geese, and manages to rescue one unhatched gosling. Soon, one emerges and the little pipsqueak assumes Roz is their mother and she quickly embraces her new role and, more importantly, new mission.  

Roz starts raising the little guy who she eventually names Brightbill (Kit Connor), with the assistance of a sly fox named Fink (Pedro Pascal), in the hopes of teaching him the three basic survival instincts, fly, swim, and eating, he’ll need to learn before the entire flock heads out for the fall migration. This makes for a budding relationship as we watch Roz not only learn how the animals operate around her, but grow attached to Brightbill who, like her, is seen as an outcast: the runt of the litter that nobody expects will be able to take care of themselves. 

The bright, vivid and powerful animation done by the Dreamworks crews works seamlessly with the poignant story, complemented by Kris Powers magnetic score, which swells at all the right moments in a manner that never feels cheapened. Watching Roz’s unwavering dedication to Brightbill’s survival is enough to send you into an emotional tailspin, especially for parents out there who have nurtured their own children to leave the nest. It also draws comparison to films like “The Iron Giant,” and “Wall-E,’ wherein robotic creatures found a bigger purpose other than their initial objective. 

The voice cast is solid, Nyong’o encapsulates the hilarious quirks of Roz, a robot who is trying to understand their surroundings while learning the values of being a mother. Connor has the right cadence and vocal tenure for Brightbill and Pascal is equally as funny and charming playing Fink, who is always on the prowl for a quick snack. Other standouts include Catherine O’Hara as a possum mother of seven and Mark Hamill scores laughs as a big grizzly bear. 

While “The Wild Robot” is flush with plenty of tender, emotional beats, Sanders also doesn’t skimp on the large-scale action sequences and uplifting musical montages either. In the hands of a lesser director, these moments would wash out the heart of the story, but “The Wild Robot” always has its sights on Roz and her family of furry critters. This culminates in a tenderhearted climax that packs serious punch and sends you out the door searching for the tissues. 

Grade: A 

THE WILD ROBOT world premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival. Universal Pictures will release it in theaters Friday, September 27th.