Nerds That Geek Movie Review: ‘The Wild Robot’

Written by John Edward Betancourt

(from left) Fink (Pedro Pascal), Roz (Lupita N’yongo), and Brightbill (Kit Connor) in DreamWorks Animation’s The Wild Robot, directed by Chris Sanders.

For the most part, stories that feature robots that are crafted by human beings and loaded with a powerful artificial intelligence program, tend to be quite dark and scary in nature and it makes sense as to why. After all, deep down, modern humanity harbors a fear of technology becoming too intelligent and becoming too autonomous. To the point where it is logical to believe that our creation would discover us to be inferior beings, something to be removed, so that the children of the new gods could take over. So, our stories reflect that and ponder deeply upon our role in the nature of creation. 
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In fact, this is so deeply engrained in storytelling, that each of us are hard pressed to even think of a movie where a ‘sentient’ robot does anything but either fear or hate humanity in some capacity or commit any kind of task outside of murder and mayhem or fighting humanity. Leaving all of us to wonder if we can ever see technology as something healthy or wonderful, and if by chance we can see AI be used for good in any capacity. Well, it just so happens that a new movie out ponders upon the reality that perhaps robots in that vein do not have to be so dark, so fearful. That perhaps they can offer up positive thinking and challenge our relationship with technology and the world, and The Wild Robot accomplishes such feats with quite the refreshing plot.

Wherein we meet a robot named ROZZUM-7134, or Roz, for short, who awakens on the shores of a faraway island and is quickly confused by their situation. For Roz’s programming is to serve humanity and this wilderness does not harbor a single human soul. Prompting Roz to adapt and learn the languages of the animals in the hopes of either understanding the environment and how potentially to get to their final destination or to activate their distress beacon to head where they belong. But an accident one unfortunate night in the wilderness, prompts Roz to change priorities and worry more about the wildlife that they are surrounded by. An alteration in programming that will impact the tiny little island Roz will now call home, in ways never thought possible.

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Which is… a powerful way to look at AI and technology, since this film presents it, as a potential tool instead of something to be feared, and that is quite refreshing to find here. Since it brings forth a fascinating journey that informs us that our uncomfortable relationship with technology and our fears of it might be unfounded, since… we are the ones who create it. So, if by chance… we programmed it to have the best parts of us and only that… who knows what wonders we could create. Since we could potentially create a being filled with care, and gentleness, a la Roz. But the unique aspect of this film goes beyond presenting a different type of robot, since it also speaks deeply to our relationship with nature and how perhaps we don’t utilize our technology enough to help in our endeavors to keep it safe and secure from the impact we as a society are having upon it.
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All of which gives rise to a thoughtful and cerebral motion picture, one that doesn’t seem to offer anything to kids with commentary in that vein. But that’s the beauty of this feature. For it harbors thoughtful concepts for the adults to enjoy while watching, alongside some wonderful moments that will entertain children as well. Courtesy of grand and sweeping adventures on the island, and a lovely story about the family we choose, and lessons on how important it is we see each other as equal and work together as one, and of course… there are plenty of cute and quirky moments that allow for lighthearted laughs to take place. Plus, there’s a real sense of fun that hangs over the film, and it also doesn’t hurt… that some wonderfully talented voices bring this world to life.

For quality acting is key to selling such a magnificent story and the cast here is stellar. With Lupita Nyong'o and Pedro Pascal leading the way as Roz and Fink, and they are joined by a lovely cast that features Mark Hamill, and Matt Berry, and Bill Nighy, and truly… all of these elements bring together a genuinely beautiful film. That rare instant classic that is intelligent, charming, fun, and epic in nature and harbors such beauty and such wonderful messaging about our world and the wonderful furry neighbors we share it with, and you should absolutely see this feature as soon as possible. To just flat out enjoy a little positivity and wonderful moments with your family, courtesy of a robot unlike any other in cinema.

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