Staff Writer Anny Chen reviews the ‘The Wild Robot’ drawing parallels between its story and her own experiences as an international student in London.
Dreamworks’ latest production, The Wild Robot, once again moves audiences to tears, delivering a touching narrative that resonates with audiences of all ages. This animated film tells the story of a robot that, after accidentally washing ashore on an uninhabited island, learns about love and kindness. Upon its release, The Wild Robot garnered widespread acclaim, with some viewers even predicting it could be the top contender for next year’s Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. But, like many uni students might wonder, isn’t it just another “childish” cartoon? Can animated films genuinely move us as adults? As a uni student who has watched The Wild Robot, I found not just the themes of family and love, but also the struggle for belonging and self-discovery resonate deeply. It resonates with those navigating the challenges of fitting in, whether as international students or first-year students adjusting to university life.
The robot Roz seeks acceptances, just like any other international students
The story follows a robot named Roz, manufactured by Universal Dynamics, who is swept onto a desolate island during a storm. Stranded, Roz tries to fulfil her programmed duties by assisting the animals she encounters, but her initial efforts—including learning their language in her robotic way—are met with fear and distrust because her mechanical appearance frightens them. While accidentally crushing a goose nest and killing the mother goose, Roz takes it upon herself to care for the lone surviving egg. After the gosling, named Brightbill, hatches, Roz teams up with Fink, a fox who is also isolated on the island, to raise Brightbill together. Day by day, they form bonds of friendship and family.
As I watched Roz’s journey from a solitary robot to a caring “mother” for Brightbill and a friend to Fink, I was struck by how powerfully the film captures the universal experience of seeking acceptance. Everyone, at some point, faces the challenge of joining a new community. Watching Roz keep making awkward mistakes while trying to connect with the island’s animals, reminded me of my own experience as an international student arriving at King’s. The robotic qualities of Roz, including her mechanical appearance, voice, and mannerisms set her apart from the other animals, echoing the discomfort I felt about my own distinct appearance and way of communication, shaped by an entirely different culture, when I first arrived in London, that might possibly make me look like an outsider. So, when Roz finally finds connection with Fink and Brightbill, feeling not lonely anymore, her newfound sense of belonging felt especially moving. This reflects the situation of finally making friends in an unfamiliar environment in real life. What is more, Roz’s determination to learn and grow, despite her limitations, serves as a powerful example of resilience and adaptability, universal qualities that resonate with anyone facing the challenges of self-growth in a foreign setting.
The theme of fitting in is not only presented in Roz’s storyline when he first came to the island, but also evident in Brightbill’s storyline, especially when he joins the annual goose migration. Having been raised by Roz and Fink, who are seen as outsiders on the island, Brightbill struggles to fit in with the other geese. One particularly moving moment occurs when Brightbill uses a robotic voice to greet them, only to be ridiculed, deepening the sense of isolation shared by all three. At that moment, it seems like Roz, Fink and Brightbill will never be accepted by the animals on the island because of their “differences”. Of course, as an animated film that always has a happy ending, Brightbill ultimately finds acceptance within the goose community, but the film also presents a touching scene in which Roz, hidden behind the trees alone, watches Brightbill integrate upon returning to the island. Though happy for Brightbill, Roz experiences profound loneliness as she realises he may no longer need her.
While The Wild Robot uses the character of Roz as a robot to add a unique twist to the story and provides humour and novelty, it does present certain challenges. Roz’s lack of facial expressions makes it difficult to convey subtle emotions, which may occasionally undercut the emotional impact of some scenes. Still, this choice allows the film to explore the theme of artificial intelligence as something capable of growth, empathy, and even love. And while Roz’s limited expressions and the fact that she is just a robot might reduce some emotional intensity, the film remains compelling as it explores the thought of how AI can embody very human qualities and challenges. Ultimately, The Wild Robot crafts a story about family, love, and self-acceptance that transcends age. By watching Roz grow from an outsider into a caring mother, audiences are invited to reflect on their own journeys of self-discovery, the courage to embrace change, and the transformative power of love and kindness. This animation goes beyond a simple tale of a robot learning to love; it taps into memories of our own struggles to belong and adapt, making it a film worth watching for audiences of all ages.
The Wild Robot is now screening in London cinemas.
