The trailer for *The Wild Robot* has brought me to tears each and every time I’ve viewed it. What can I say? The idea of a robot discovering a sense of belonging in nature is simply too heartwarming for me to bear, even in a brief three-minute glimpse.

### A Promise Kept: *The Wild Robot* Exceeds Expectations

Fortunately, *The Wild Robot* fulfills the emotional promise set forth by its trailer—and then some. Directed by Chris Sanders, the visionary behind *Lilo & Stitch* and *How to Train Your Dragon*, this film is a touching examination of motherhood and connection. Featuring breathtaking animation from DreamWorks, it stands as a visual and emotional triumph that will resonate with viewers.

### What’s *The Wild Robot* About?

Adapted from Peter Brown’s cherished novel, *The Wild Robot* tracks the journey of ROZZUM unit 7134, or “Roz” (voiced by Lupita Nyong’o), who finds herself marooned on an isolated island. Programmed to assist humans, Roz struggles to fulfill her directives in this unfamiliar setting. Instead, she seeks a purpose by engaging with the island’s wildlife.

However, Roz’s cheerful offers of aid—“Do you need help?”—are met with fear and aggression. Despite her knack for mimicking animal movements and understanding their communication, the creatures of the island perceive her as an unwelcome guest. From playful raccoons to fierce bears, Roz often faces challenging encounters that leave her battered and lonely. Her solitude sets up one of the film’s initial emotional moments: her heartbreaking question, “Did anyone order me?” It’s a poignant plea for purpose that strikes a chord.

Roz ultimately discovers her calling when she stumbles upon an unhatched goose egg, the last survivor of its nest. When the gosling, Brightbill (voiced by *Heartstopper*’s Kit Connor), hatches and bonds with her, Roz embraces motherhood. Her mission becomes teaching Brightbill how to swim, eat, and prepare for migration. But as Roz grapples with the trials of parenthood, she begins to experience emotions and thoughts well beyond her original programming.

### A Beautiful Story of Motherhood and Community

Chris Sanders has a talent for crafting narratives about unexpected friendships and the classic fish-out-of-water scenario. From the connection between Lilo and Stitch to the partnership of Hiccup and Toothless in *How to Train Your Dragon*, Sanders has created some of the most unforgettable duos in animation. With Roz and Brightbill, he hits the mark once again.

The bond between Roz and Brightbill feels incredibly genuine, reflecting the dynamics between human parents and their children. Roz’s constant concern for Brightbill’s well-being is relatable for every parent. A witty mother possum named Pinktail (voiced by Catherine O’Hara) even reassures Roz that such worries are merely part of parenting. Meanwhile, Brightbill grapples with the tension between his desire for independence and his fear of leaving Roz behind. Their occasional spats are typical of the parent-teenager dynamic, but their bond remains steadfast—they are each other’s entire universe.

This connection is further enriched by their shared status as outsiders. Roz’s capacity for emotions perplexes other robots, while Brightbill’s mechanical mannerisms—such as mimicking Roz’s sounds—render him an outcast among other geese. Yet, these differences ultimately become their greatest attributes, imparting a timeless lesson about embracing individuality.

### Roz’s Influence on the Island Community

While Roz’s relationship with Brightbill is at the heart of the story, the film also delves into her interactions with other island inhabitants. One of the most touching relationships is between Roz and Fink, a cunning fox voiced by Pedro Pascal. Initially driven by a survival-of-the-fittest mindset, Fink embodies the island’s brutal “eat or be eaten” attitude. Roz, however, presents a different outlook: kindness as a means of survival. Over time, Roz’s influence alters not just Fink but also the other creatures, demonstrating that compassion can transform an entire community. Roz reshapes the island as much as it reshapes her.

### Roz Joins the Legacy of Iconic Movie Robots

Roz’s journey of self-discovery and her talent for bringing together outcasts place her alongside great animated robots, such as Wall-E and the Iron Giant. Her transformation is treated with exceptional care, and Lupita Nyong’o’s vocal performance is crucial to bringing Roz to life. At the film’s outset, Nyong’o infuses Roz with a cheerful, robotic tone that emphasizes her mechanical nature. As the narrative unfolds, Roz’s voice evolves, showcasing a growing spectrum of emotions—anger, uncertainty, and even love—while still preserving elements of her robotic origins. It’s a remarkable vocal performance.