Movies possess an incredible ability to move us, and some of the most compelling narratives I’ve encountered are in animated films, with Wild Robot being a prime example.
Animated films can evoke strong emotions using vibrant visuals and expressive characters to convey complex feelings. The imaginative worlds they create allow for storytelling that transcends the limitations of reality, making it easier for audiences to connect on a deeper level. Additionally, the combination of music, color, and animation can amplify emotional moments, leaving a lasting impression on viewers.
Lost in the Wilderness: A Quest for Belonging
The Wild Robot is filled with lessons and exceptional storytelling. From the opening scene to the final moments, I was completely captivated. This film had me cheering and nearly brought me to tears, prompting my son to ask several times if I was crying. That’s how impactful The Wild Robot is—it’s so powerful that you might want to bring a notebook to write down all the valuable insights it offers.
This is the story of a robot created for one purpose: to assist. Once it finishes its task, it moves on to the next mission. This particular robot finds itself alone in the wilderness. Believing it was deliberately left there, it attempts to find the user who needs its help. However, the inhabitants of the forest respond with hostility, calling it a monster. Not because it is truly monstrous, but because it is strange, out of place, and they simply do not comprehend it. To them, it is an alien presence.
From Disaster to Duty
Unfortunately, the robot’s misadventure leads to tragedy for a woodland family. Accidentally, the robot crushes a nest, killing all but one goose. Determined to protect the remaining egg, the robot safeguards it at all costs, even warding off a clever fox. After successfully guarding the egg and witnessing the gosling hatch, the robot believes its task is complete.
However, the robot has unintentionally bonded with the gosling, becoming its surrogate parent. This situation is beyond the robot’s understanding, and it wants to return to its usual activities. A possum then informs the robot that it is now the gosling’s mother and insists that caring for it is the new mission. Unable to refuse a mission, the robot agrees. The robot’s objectives are threefold: ensure the gosling eats, learns to swim, and eventually flies. Once these tasks are completed, the mission will be fulfilled.
Lessons from the Wild
As a learning machine, the robot lacks programming to guide it in this process. The clever fox, motivated by self-interest, decides to help the robot with its mission. This marks the beginning of our adventure, filled with many challenges and ups and downs. As the story unfolds, we observe the emotional growth of all the characters—the robot, the gosling, the wolf, and the other woodland creatures. A particularly touching moment occurs when the gosling learns to fly, and the robot realizes its important role in the gosling’s life.
There is still much development to happen, and it is indeed unfolding. This film is incredibly impactful. A standout moment for me was when the robot, once labeled a monster, rose to save those who judged it. The cunning wolf, driven by self-interest and instinct, taught the woodland creatures that sometimes it’s necessary to set aside primal urges for the greater good. The entire forest heeded this lesson.
The Art of Storytelling
Why does this story seem almost perfectly crafted? It adheres to the ideal structure of a character pursuing a goal while facing challenges. There’s character development, pivotal moments, low points, an inciting incident, a point of no return, fun and games scenes, a well-defined antagonist, a mentor, and a moment where everything comes full circle. Nearly every element can be identified in this film, and it’s definitely one I’ll be revisiting frequently to take notes. The Wild Robot is a film that not only leaves a lasting impact but also encourages you to revisit its narrative, making it a must-watch for all animated film enthusiasts and lifelong learners. If you haven’t seen The Wild Robot, it’s available for streaming on Peacock.
Uncut Diamonds 