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A scene from The Wild Robot.
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A scene from The Wild Robot.
A scene from The Wild Robot.
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A scene from The Wild Robot.
“Sometimes, to survive, you have to become more than you were programmed to be.”
The wild robot is a surprising portrayal of nature versus nurture – a film that, despite its simple plot, goes deeper than you might expect. At first glance, the premise seems predictable: a dystopian robot, Roz, is stranded on an island after a typhoon and is forced to adapt to the wilderness. Yet the filmmaker transforms this simplicity into something profound, a message of what it really means to survive and grow.
The images are impressive from the start. The colors change throughout Roz’s journey, from steel gray and blue as she wakes up, to lush greens, warm oranges and earthy browns as she settles into island life. It’s like seeing the world come to life through her mechanical eyes. The animated expressions of the animals and Roz are so well done that some scenes require no dialogue at all.
Even though Roz is “just a robot,” she is surprisingly relatable. As she journeys through survival, her programming evolves into a sense of connection and growth. The film introduces a vibrant cast of foxes, beavers, squirrels and raccoons, each with guarded feelings towards Roz – because in a sense they are programmed to distrust her too. It’s an ironic view when you realize that they have a lot of things in common with a robot, because we all have our instincts.
Roz’s character arc is brilliantly crafted. Despite being designed for perfection, she makes mistakes and takes responsibility, subtly reflecting a very human quality. The film cleverly twists typical ideas and depicts an unfeeling robot experiencing the highs and lows of motherhood, friendship and the burden of responsibility.
What is most striking and unique is the depiction of the wilderness in all its raw, untamed beauty. Scenes that usually seem cruel – migration, hibernation, even the wildlife food chain – are presented with so much charm that they’re even funny. The film highlights the quirks and rhythms of the wilderness in a balanced way that feels sincere and compelling, transforming what may be a harsh reality into moments of connection and warmth.
In his heart, The wild robot is about more than survival – it’s about defying instinct and learning to care. Roz could have simply followed her programming, but instead she chooses to adapt, protect, and connect with her new family. In turn, the animals also grow and go beyond their natural instincts to support Roz. The story reminds us that real growth begins when we leave our comfort zone to care for others, even if it isn’t instinctive at first.
In the final confrontation, accompanied by incredible cinematography, the story comes full circle in an unpredictable and satisfying way. Without giving anything away, the ending feels like the perfect resolution, even if it wasn’t the expected resolution, and shows a bittersweet evolution of Roz’s journey. The wild robot is a cinematic experience that will stay with you and remind audiences of the connections that make us human, even in the most unlikely places.
Tinath Zaeba is an optimistic daydreamer, a cat mother of five and an economics student at North South University.
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