Written By: Caleb Tiedemann (’25)
I’ll be honest—I’m not the biggest fan of animated movies. To some, that might be considered heresy of the highest order, but I’ve watched many disappointments and witnessed plenty of thoroughly underwhelming films. So when I saw trailers and advertisements for The Wild Robot, I didn’t bother hoping for anything special. Looking back now, the trailers were actually pretty terrible, barely scratching the surface of the movie’s deeper themes and meaning.
However, I enjoy being pleasantly surprised. So when I finally watched The Wild Robot, I was amazed at just how unequivocally wrong I had been! The movie was produced by DreamWorks, and while their films made up a large part of my childhood, my adult life has been far less inclusive of them. Upon watching the film, I was greeted with a stunning animation style—a gorgeous swath of color stretching across the skies and a breathtaking depiction of the seasons in a rugged, weathered landscape. The animation team was undoubtedly put to the test, but they truly delivered.
It was refreshing to see a unique and emotionally mature concept brought to the screen. Don’t get me wrong—the film is accessible to both children and adults, but I wasn’t expecting plot points specifically targeted at an older audience. Many children’s movies seem to cater solely to kids, almost as if they forget that adults are the ones watching alongside them.
The movie tells a touching story of motherhood, shifting family dynamics, and friendship. These themes are beautifully conveyed through excellent voice acting that evokes deep emotional responses. I grew to love and connect with the various characters throughout the runtime. Additionally, Kris Bowers’ musical composition was the perfect complement, enhancing both the film’s most emotional and triumphant moments. Ultimately, The Wild Robot was a fantastic surprise, and I strongly recommend it to anyone who enjoys movies. It has all the essential elements of a truly great film.
