Wild Robot: DreamWorks' New Masterpiece

Contents:

• What happens in "Wild Robot"
• How "Wild Robot" was made
• What critics and viewers say about the cartoon

What happens in the "Wild Robot"

Universal Dynamics is developing the Rozzum series of assistant robots designed for simplification of everyday life. These innovative devices can perform routine tasks, helping with household chores and ensuring the comfort of all family members. During the transportation of the robots, a misfortune occurs: the ship is caught in a storm, and the cargo is washed up on a desert island. The box containing the Rozzum 7134 robot ends up on the shore, where it is found by curious otters. Playing with the packaging, they accidentally activate the robot. Without remembering how she got there, Roz begins searching for those she can help, striving to fulfill her mission and return to her purpose. Finding a "client" among wild animals proves difficult. The animals do not need the robot's help and perceive it as a threat. Therefore, Roz decides to establish closer contact with them. She studies the language of animals and, after an accident, begins caring for an orphaned gosling. Now her main goal is to teach him to forage, swim, and fly so that the gosling can migrate south in the fall. She is assisted in this complex process by the cunning fox Fink, who initially plans to eat the baby but gradually becomes attached to him. Roz and Fink learn to overcome their fears and differences, creating a unique bond that changes their lives.

The plot of the cartoon is based on a series of children's books by Peter Brown with the same name. Director Chris Sanders first learned of the story from his daughter when she was in middle school. When DreamWorks approached him about working on Wild Robot, he immediately agreed, noting the story's emotional depth and seemingly simple nature.

The director's choice was no accident: he specializes in heartfelt animated films about the search for family. In the early 2000s, Chris Sanders worked on the cult animated film Lilo & Stitch. Back then, he intended to focus more on the interactions between Stitch, a creature who doesn't fit into the usual mold, and wild animals. Although this concept was scrapped, the director is returning to it again twenty years later, highlighting his desire to explore themes of belonging and acceptance.

In Wild Robot, Chris Sanders and Peter Brown create accents to further develop Roz's character. Sanders sought to make Roz a multifaceted character while avoiding an overly cluttered plot. In the original story, the robot's role was limited to searching for tasks, while in the animated film, Roz gains independence by constantly rewriting her code. She strives to understand what it means to experience emotions, what love and friendship are, and whether kindness can be the key to survival in the wild. The creators of "Wild Robot" successfully answer these questions, introducing engaging elements that will interest both adults and children, making the film relevant to a wide audience.

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Robot movies have always captivated audiences with their unique blend of technology and human emotion. In this list, we present 22 of the best films that explore the topic of artificial intelligence, autonomous machines, and their interaction with people. These films not only entertain but also make us think about the future of technology and its impact on human life. From classics to modern blockbusters, each of these films offers a fascinating look at the world of robots and their place in it.

How "Wild Robot" Was Made

One of the key strengths of the cartoon is the voice acting. The actors strived to convey the unique characteristics of each character. To create the voice of Roz, actress Lupita Nyong'o adapted her own voice, giving it a mechanical sound. As the story unfolded, Lupita gradually modified her voice, making it more lively and emotional. Since Roz lacks articulation, her voice becomes the only way to show how her emotionless robotic nature begins to acquire human traits.

The character of the cunning fox Fink, who Pedro Pascal, who plays the fox, fits seamlessly into the plot. Unlike Nyong'o's performance, Pascal has more room to develop his character. Although the fox's true nature emerges only toward the end of the film, his emotionality and sense of humor are palpable from the very first scenes. The supporting cast's voices play an important role in fleshing out the characters. The fearsome grizzly bear, voiced by Mark Hamill, emerges not as a bloodthirsty predator, but as a wise protector of the forest. Matt Berry, who voices the perpetually disgruntled beaver, adds sarcasm and a sense of exceptionalism to his character. The playful opossum, Shaggy, voiced by Catherine O'Hara, brings a touch of humor to the film, making it more engaging. These supporting characters enrich the plot, creating vivid contrasts and adding depth to the overall picture.

In the voice acting for Wild Robot, the creators strove to perfectly match the actors' voices to the characters, while in the visual execution they allowed themselves a certain casualness. DreamWorks Studios actively experiments in their latest work, combining modern techniques with traditional animation, which is reminiscent of the approach used in Arcane. It can also be considered a homage to Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse, where 3D characters interact with hand-painted 2D backgrounds. The watercolor aesthetic in this work evokes associations with the best works of Hayao Miyazaki. The team of Wild Robot created a unique world that resembles a Monet painting, blending with Miyazaki's magical forests. This approach not only emphasizes the artistic value of the animation but also creates a deep connection with classic works of art, making the project truly memorable.

Director Chris Sanders shared that while working on the animated film "The Wild Robot," he drew inspiration from the classic animated work of Studio Ghibli - "Laputa: Castle in the Sky." This influence is also noticeable in the design of the character Rose, who is reminiscent of the robots from "Laputa." However, unlike Miyazaki's silent creatures, Rose possesses a distinct emotional quality. Sanders emphasizes that the team strove to convey her emotions through her actions, movements, and gaze: "We worked hard to make her eyes, although completely mechanical, incredibly expressive." This approach demonstrates how turning to films of the past can inspire modern filmmakers to create unique masterpieces.

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What critics and audiences are saying about the film

Critics have praised Wild Robot, which holds a 97% rating on Rotten Tomatoes. Reviewers note that it is "a simple story told with great sophistication." Peter Howell of the Toronto Star named it the best animated film of 2024, a sentiment echoed by Mark Kennedy of the Associated Press. The film stands out for its vibrant visuals and explores important themes of family, love, and friendship. Wendy Ide of the Observer also highlighted the film's dark humor, which softens the film's overly sentimental moments. Having established itself as one of the best animated films ever made, Wild Robot continues to attract the attention of audiences and critics.

Critics have praised the animated film "Wild Robot" for its ability to address important topics such as global warming, robotics, and inclusion. Reviews have noted significantly fewer shortcomings. Some reviewers point to the film's predictable structure and obvious plot points, as well as its less-than-successful attempts to evoke emotion. Kyle Smith of the Wall Street Journal described the cartoon as "strictly mechanical."

The audience perceived "The Wild Robot" even more positively than critics, which is confirmed An impressive 98% on Rotten Tomatoes and an 8.3 rating on IMDb. Viewers praised the film's touching, deeply meaningful plot, memorable characters, and vibrant, expressive animation. Some viewers cried while watching, others reflected on the importance of family, and still others found the film a charming fairy tale. "The Wild Robot" has the power to touch hearts and minds, offering a unique immersive experience in a world where technology meets humanity.

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"Wild Robot" failed to delight all audiences. Some viewers found the film's dramatic component forced and predictable. The character of Roz, whose "humanization" raised questions about the logical development of the plot, is often mentioned in this context. Furthermore, the fast pace of the narrative disappointed many, as some characters were not adequately developed. Complaints were also made about the film's core themes, which many found trivial and boring.

Most viewers and critics unanimously agree that "Wild Robot" is the best animated film of the year. It amazes not only with its bright and rich animation, but also with a touching story about the adventures of a robot, a fox, and a gosling. This cartoon skillfully combines a captivating plot with profound themes of friendship and mutual assistance, making it appealing to viewers of all ages.