Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Beautiful, heartwarming adaptation with moments of peril.
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Why Age 8+?
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The Wild Robot
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 167 parent reviews
Parents say this movie is a visually stunning adaptation that appeals to both children and adults, though it includes some elements of peril and emotional depth that could be concerning for younger viewers. While many enjoyed its heartfelt themes on motherhood and kindness, several reviews highlighted excessive mentions of death and violence, making it a mixed experience for families.
- visual style
- emotional themes
- unsuitable language
- diverse audience
- mixed reviews
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 106 kid reviews
Kids say this animated film is a heartwarming and emotional adventure, exploring themes of survival, kindness, and the importance of connections, particularly between a robot and a gosling. While the stunning animation is widely praised, viewers note pacing issues and moments of violence that might be intense for younger audiences, alongside mixed feelings about plot predictability and character development.
- emotional depth
- stunning visuals
- strong characters
- family themes
- pacing issues
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
THE WILD ROBOT is the animated adaptation of Peter Brown's award-winning 2016 middle grade novel about a shipwrecked robot, ROZZUM, aka Roz (voiced by Lupita Nyong'o), who powers up on an island ready to do her new owners' tasks. She learns to communicate with the animals on the island—who initially consider her a monster—and adopts a baby gosling she names Brightbill (Kit Connor) after accidentally destroying his mother's nest. With the help of a scrappy fox, Fink (Pedro Pascal), Roz makes caring for Brightbill (feeding him, teaching him to swim, and preparing him to make his first migration) her primary purpose. But being a mother is much more difficult than anything Roz's programming has prepared her for.
Is It Any Good?
This visually dazzling, emotionally resonant adventure brings Brown's beloved book about parenthood and found family to life. Directed and co-written by Chris Sanders, the movie boasts stunning animation, an excellent voice cast led by the wonderful Nyong'o, and a lovely story that's sure to make both parents and kids teary and ready for a hug—as well as chuckle and grin at its many funny moments. Many family films are fun but fairly basic; not The Wild Robot. There's real emotional heft to this adaptation. Roz, Brightbill, and Fink each have robust character arcs as they learn about themselves, their places in the community, and their relationships with one another. In addition to Nyong'o's great work, O'Connor and Pascal stand out as young Brightbill and plucky Fink, and Catherine O'Hara is hilarious and wise as an older and more experienced mama possum who mentors Roz in her motherhood journey. Bill Nighy also adds sage-elder vibes as the head of the soon-to-migrate goose flock.
Composer Kris Bowers' score is fantastic and includes two catchy original songs from Grammy-winning singer-songwriter Maren Morris. Cinematographer Chris Stover (Trolls, How to Train Your Dragon) immerses audiences in the island's lush flora and fauna. Baby Brightbill is one of the cutest animals ever to appear on-screen, and the adventure sequences are propulsive but not overly scary for younger moviegoers. Sanders and Brown's screenplay should please the book's many fans: It stays true to the major themes and plot points, if not every single character or story detail. And while the plot is simple, there's so much to absorb during this lovely film—and to discuss after you watch. Everyone from elementary schoolers to parents about to launch their kids into adulthood will find something that resonates in The Wild Robot. It has the potential to become as treasured as another classic animated robot movie, The Iron Giant, and is a beautiful, must-see family film.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about which characters you consider to be role models in The Wild Robot. What character strengths do they demonstrate?
Do you think the movie has any messages about the role of technology in our lives? What does Roz have in common with AI? How is she different?
What does it mean for kindness to be a survival skill? How do other characters' kind acts make a difference to Roz, and how does Roz's kindness impact others on the island?
For those who've read the book: What differences did you notice? Why do you think the filmmakers made those changes?
The source book is the first in a series. Do you want to see another Wild Robot movie, or do you prefer that this remain a stand-alone version?
Movie Details
- In theaters : September 27, 2024
- On DVD or streaming : October 15, 2024
- Cast : Lupita Nyong'o , Pedro Pascal , Kit Connor
- Director : Chris Sanders
- Inclusion Information : Female Movie Actor(s) , Black Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s) , Bisexual Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Universal Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Book Characters , Friendship , Robots , STEM , Animals ( Wild Animals )
- Character Strengths : Courage , Empathy , Perseverance , Teamwork
- Run time : 101 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : action/peril and thematic elements
- Awards : Academy Award - Animated Feature Nominee , BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee , Common Sense Selection , Golden Globe - Golden Globe Award Nominee , NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : December 11, 2025
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