JoshuaCaine’s review published on Letterboxd:
How can a dumb robot, a fox, and a gosling make me cry my eyes out? 😭
The Wild Robot dives into so many profound topics about life, showcasing how morbid and unpredictable it can be at times. Yet, it reminds us that one person or in this case, one robot can change everything for everyone. For me, the heart of this film lies in its exploration of parenthood: the sacrifices parents make to give us a better life. It’s a reminder that we, as kids, often forget that this is also our parents' first time navigating life. They're learning, just like us, no matter their age. In truth, we're all just kids freestyling through life, often unsure of what we’re doing and that’s okay.
The film also delves into the concept of mortality, showing us how fragile life is and how any moment could be our last… literally. It’s a powerful message to be kind and offer a helping hand because, in the end, it’s the memory of who we were that remains long after we’re gone.
DreamWorks has always had a knack for tackling mature themes in their films. Death, in particular, seems to be a recurring motif, which I personally think is brilliant. From Hiccup losing his leg in How to Train Your Dragon, to Puss in Boots facing down literal Death, and now The Wild Robot exploring the unforgiving brutality of nature. They’re unafraid to explore these heavy topics in meaningful ways.
Oh, and I'm in absolute awe of the animation style in this film! It's very similar to Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. The Spider-Verse films really paved the way for these animation studios to be a lot more creative when making these films. It's an absolute joy to watch. We need more authentic projects from studios like DreamWorks. Keep them coming!
