Hello, it’s me, the animation nerd who continues to drill into people’s skulls that not all animation is meant for kids. Yet, there are times in which I’ll fully admit that an animated film or show was absolutely meant for kids, and there’s nothing wrong with that. With all of the adult content out there, kids do deserve a safe space of media that caters to them. And sure, the creators of said media acknowledge that whatever adults supervising said kid viewer will need to be catered to as well to not get completely bored, so they add jokes and references that only adults can get. But then there are animated films that don’t need to do any of that to get the attention the audience regardless of age. These movies let the excellent writing, animation, and characters say what they need to, and know that it’s enough. Disney, of course was the pioneer studio to do this (as they were with most other achievements in animation), but I’ve seen some very impressive children’s films to come out of other studios such as Dreamworks.
The Wild Robot is the latest of Dreamworks offerings, and I’ve got to say, they’ve not lost their touch. Based off the novel by Peter Brown, the story follows ROZZUM Unit 7134, or “Roz” (Lupita Nyong’o), a highly advanced robot who is shipwrecked on a remote island only inhabited by animals with no civilization in site. At first, Roz is confused and constantly looking for tasks to complete for the animal inhabitants (who want nothing to do with her.) Soon, after Roz accidentally destroys a duck nest and mother duck, they takes upon herself to successfully raise the surviving duckling to adulthood. Roz has her work cut out for her, however as they know nothing about how to raise a duck, and it’s a runt to boot. She is soon joined by Fink (Pedro Pascal), a hungry fox looking to take advantage of the situation, in raising the duckling. The film is directed by Chris Sanders, the creator of Lilo and Stitch, as well as director of How to Train Your Dragon, and many other animated classics.
If you’re thinking this plot sounds adorably simplistic, it is, and in the absolute best way possible. Not that most animated films meant for children are convoluted or anything, but something about just how simple, yet well executed this story is is a breath of fresh air. Much like Studio Ghibli classics such as Totoro, the narrative relies on inviting the audience to truly feel each and every moment rather than keeping a fast pace as many films geared towards younger audiences tend towards. As an adult, I love this, but taking a look at the children in the audience who viewed this with me, they seemed pretty captivated as well. I hope this is a sign that studios can start trusting the emotional intelligence and attention span of kids more than they think they can. Yes, to those with a bit more of a short attention span, this movie may be a bit slower paced than some, but in my opinion, the pacing is just right to move the action along while giving it the depth it deserves.
I’ve always been a huge fan girl of the lovely and talented Lupita Nyong’o, but she did such a good job at voicing Roz with a blend of robotic coldness evolving into determined passion that I am somehow even more of one now. Honestly, I wish there was a “best acting in a voice over” Academy Award they hand out as she at least deserves a nomination for this one. And of course Pedro Pascal was almost too “on the nose” perfect to play Fink the fox, by far the sassiest character in the film, yet requiring quite a lot of vulnerability. Also, I want to give a special mention to Matt Berry as Paddler the beaver. He’s one of those actors who you will know the moment he opens his mouth it’s him, but I don’t care. I’ll never tire of his larger than life stagey acting.
The animation for this film is absolutely stunning, some of my favorite I’ve seen in years from a CGI animated film, in fact. While, yes, it is a 3D animated film technically, it has a distinct style that sets it apart from many I’ve seen in the past few years. The characters look somehow more like they belong in a hand illustrated children’s book rather than a designed on a computer. Much of the animation itself had a painted 2D feel. While I’ve seen a bit of this in Disney’s Wish, I feel it was more natural and a bit better executed in this film.
Whether it was originally intended for a five year old or a 40 year old, I will never grow out of my love for animation. And while I’ve never had any doubt the younger generation have had some absolute classics made for them, The Wild Robot proves that the animated film industry for kids is not skimping on quality. It really brings me joy that animated films such as this are made with so much care and compassion.
