The Wild Robot review: One of the best films of the year

Featuring an excellent voice cast that boasts of names such as Pedro Pascal and Lupita Nyong'o, The Wild Robot can be easily called one of the best movies of the year.

In Short

• The Wild Robot features Roz, a robot adapting to the wild
• Roz forms a bond with a gosling, changing her programming
• The film is based on Peter Brown's 2016 novel

The opening sequence of The Wild Robot could confuse you if you were in for it to enjoy a sci-fi movie or even a feel-good adventurous drama. But hang on, a few minutes in, and you will find yourself rooting for Rozzum Unit 7134, voiced by Lupita Nyong’o. How does a human service robot who only understands codes, inputs, and tasks adapt in the wild? DreamWorks Animation’s new film, The Wild Robot, chronicles one such enthralling ride which will entertain and leave you with a heartwarming experience.

Rozzum Unit 7134 aka Roz finds herself in an uncharted territory-left to deal with native animals, which her system was not programmed for. Going against her programmed system, she finds herself developing a motherly bond with a gosling she accidentally saves. Once called a monster in the wild, how Roz develops and builds her chosen family in the wild becomes the “wild” story.

The film is based on the 2016 novel of the same name by Peter Brown and was written and directed by Chris Sanders. Featuring voices by Lupita Nyong'o (Roz), Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor (Brightbill), Bill Nighy, Stephanie Hsu, Mark Hamill, Catherine O'Hara, Matt Berry, and Ving Rhames, the film is easily one of the most heartwarming releases of the year.

The story adapted from the novel is richly executed on celluloid with excellent CGI work that really elevates the viewing experience. The movie is not just visually appealing but also blends in the emotional graph of each character with a layered narrative that appeals to all ages. The use of humour is just right for you to chuckle and laugh along before the tear-jerker emotional scenes take over. It is a story of misfits, fitting in and finally being comfortable in your own skin. Acceptance, longing, and love are the pillars of the film, and it hits just the right notes.

It is a story that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy in the right way. As Roz gradually finds her heart, so will the audience in the most organic way. It is worth both your time and emotions.

The Wild Robot is now in theatres.