THE WILD ROBOT

US, 2024, 101 minutes, Colour.

Voices of: Lupita Nyong’o, Pedro Pascal, Kit Connor, Bill Nighy, Stephanie Hsu, Matt Berry, Ving Rhames, Mark Hamill, Catherine O'Hara.

Directed by Chris Sanders.

Fans of Peter Brown’s 2016 illustrated novel, The Wild Robot, will be delighted to see this film version. In fact, delight has been the response of audiences – and also of many critics.

We are definitely in the 21^st-century with an animated family film focusing on a robot – although, Peter Brown in his detailed blog on the Internet about his writing his book over a period of eight years, has many interesting observations about origins of writing about robots as far back as the 1920s. But, to have a children’s film focusing on a robot, very much of our times. (And these years there are many films for adults with dramatic stories about androids and humans being served and protected by them as well as stories of betrayals.)

In trying to describe the perspectives of The Wild Robot, it could be said on the one hand that the picture of nature, animals in the forests, their personalities, is in the Disney tradition, especially of Bambi. And, on the other hand, the picture of robots, technology, artificial intelligence, is very much a contemporary perspective.

And, a robot in the wild, a robot whose name comes from her code initials, abbreviated to Roz, and the machine a female voice by Lupita Nyong’o. A shipwreck, Roz stranded, re-booted, the strong sense of mission (and her repeating her promotion instructions aloud). Needless to say, the wide range of animals, all enjoyably portrayed, do not respond well, fearful.

But, that is just the beginning. Two engaging characters emerge, a little Gosling bereft of family who gets the nickname Brightbird (Kit Connor) and an engaging fox, Fink (Pedro Pascal enjoying himself) whom nobody likes but who becomes a great favourite with the audience.

In fact, there is plenty of plot, Roz teaching the Gosling how to lie while looked down on by the rest of the geese; the bird migration led by the wise Longneck (Bill Nigh); some misunderstandings, some reconciliations, and Roz finally affirmed by the animals as she is able to help them in a very cold hibernation.

And, there is more with the robots, contact with the company, some ruthless executives, wanting to control Roz. While robots have no emotions, Roz learns more and more from her animal friends, standing up for herself and for them.

The film has been written and directed by Chris Sanders, best known for The Crudes series and, especially, charming action story, How to Train Your Dragon. Here he has been able to appeal to younger audiences with a great deal to interest and entertain an adult audience.

1. Family-friendly animation, style, story, characters? Musical score?
2. 21^st-century, robots, artificial intelligence, techno developments? And memories of past animation, animals, the forests? The combination?
3. The situation, the future, robots, the storm, the destruction, Roz stranded, programmed, promoting her services? The female voice? The encounter with the bear, the crushing of the geese, the survival of the Gosling, befriending it, training it, calling it Brightbill? The Fox, Fink, on the outer, yet bonding, helping with Brightbill? The possum, guides of how to mother they Gosling? But fear from the other geese?
4. The range of animals in the forest, memories of Disney animals and Bambi? The fear of Roz? The importance of Brockville learning to fly, to swim, the training, eventual success?
5. Brightbill, personality, growing, succeeding, information about Roz and the loss of his family? Hostility? The preparation for the migration, the role of Longneck? Brightbill and his agitation? The geese flying, the storm, taking refuge in the robot headquarters, the clashes and persecution, Brightbill not afraid, leading them to safety? Longneck sacrificing himself?
6. The hibernation, the animals going into hibernation, Roz helping, their bonding with Roz? The squabbling, fights, traditions, Fink and his mediating? The episode with the bear?
7. Roz, trying to reactivate, the links with the headquarters, the response at headquarters, the head, sending robots, locating Roz, the attack on the animals, the fight back, the fire?
8. The geese returning, Brightbill, reconciliation with Roz?
9. Roz, agreeing to leave, going back to the headquarters, working in the greenhouse, Brightbill and his visit, but her still having her emotional responses?
10. The family friendly story about technology, operation by exploiters, but possibilities for harmony and peace?