WILDERNESS OF THE HEART
While Pixar arguably has been the gold standard of animated films in the past, the company lately has yet to land a story with as much heart and astonishing visuals as “The Wild Robot.”
DreamWorks has a certified classic here and a likely hit with moviegoers of all ages.
The central character is a robot nicknamed Roz, a strange visitor to a strange land, at least to it (her?). A land of breathtaking mountain vistas and deep woods that border an unknown sea.
In the course of a crash-landing, any memory of how she got here is a mystery. And Roz’s mission is also a bit cloudy.
And rather than be surrounded by her own mechanical kind, Roz is forced to make nice with woodland creatures who are initially skeptical, if not a bit fearful, of what they call “a monster.”
As Roz explores the cliffs and crannies of her new home, she accidentally crushes a nest in an aerie with a mother goose and her several eggs, save one. As she analyzes the egg, it cracks open and out pops a gosling, the likes of which Roz has never encountered before.
Roz and the gosling form a curious bond, and Roz has no choice but to be its protector, not realizing that the baby bird will imprint on her as its mother.
As Roz befriends the creatures of the forest, they become a sort of extended family, helping to raise the bird so it can chart its natural course as a member of a future flock.
As the story unfolds, it becomes clear that this is no ordinary cartoon feature. There are no wrong steps from the animators as the narrative and the visuals never flag. And just when you think you have the tale figured out, there is a dramatic twist that might have you tearing up.
Chris Sanders, the director, is best known for How to Train Your Dragon, and here has achieved a kind of alchemy: a story that celebrates parenthood without being preachy mixed with some of the most stunning imagery seen in an animated feature to date.
“The Wild Robot” is a rare bit of cinematic mastery that sets the bar so high, it’s not likely to be surpassed for a long time.
Children will embrace the simple life lessons while adults will take to heart the joy that can be found in caring for those who might at times feel lost.
You will surrender, as I did, to the film’s infinite charms.