THE WILD ROBOT is hands down the best animated film of the year and easily the top so far. I went into the movie with my expectations already set super high, but just like one of the film’s main characters, Brightbill, it soared well beyond anything I could’ve imagined.
Animated films about robots (THE IRON GIANT, WALL-E) remind us what it means to be human. Where THE WILD ROBOT escapes its “programming” is by teaching audiences the joys and hardships of being a parent. Because the film knows how to tug at the heartstrings of parents and kids, it will become a classic that future generations enjoy.
When coming across a movie like THE WILD ROBOT, it’s tough to review on SpoilerFreeReviews. I could go into the voice acting, which is all top-notch. Or I could talk about the animation style, which blends the various techniques of INTO THE SPIDER-VERSE into something new. Alternatively, I could talk about the writing, which should be nominated for Best Adapted Screenplay if there was any justice. However, if I do that, I sound like all the other reviews of this film. Or, I might spoil it for someone. Instead, I’ll state it has been years since a movie has effortlessly inspired my movie-going soul to feel so deeply at animated characters on the screen. It shines a spotlight for audiences to “listen with different parts” and “become more than we are programmed to be.”
The Tl;dr – THE WILD ROBOT is movie magic. It’s timeless. And I cannot wait to return to it repeatedly, read the books, and share this with my kid when he’s old enough.
It’s available in theatres.
