The Wild Robot (2024) and the essence of its message

I don’t know if this has ever happened to you… but it often happens to me when I’m watching a film. A single line—just one—grabs me so deeply that through it, I can gather the entire essence of that moment I’ve set aside for leisure… and learning, of course. Because really, we’re always learning, aren’t we? Like Roz, who had to switch into learning mode when she realised the situation was far too complex. I loved that. How often do we walk through life without noticing that “we must unlearn” and learn a new language? These and other musings came to me while watching this film that, as you’ve probably guessed, made quite an impression on me, The Wild Robot.

You know I adore animated films—well… I’m not sure you do, but never mind. It’s a film by Chris Sanders, an American director born on 12 March 1962… but that’s not what he’s best known for. His fame mostly comes from three of his biggest hits: Mulan, How to Train Your Dragon, and Lilo & Stitch. 😁
Here’s the film’s profile on Filmaffinity.com, along with a few lines there about what it’s all about.

The epic journey of a robot—ROZZUM unit 7134, 'Roz' for short — that is shipwrecked on an uninhabited island and must learn to adapt to the harsh surroundings, gradually building relationships with the animals on the island and becoming the adoptive parent of an orphaned gosling.

Come on now—we’re not here to simply repeat what that site says, or any other for that matter… well, yes, let’s take a little trip through the misfiled corners of my mind, where I’m a castaway—because truth be told, I’m drifting from one shipwreck to the next, and without a working transmitter.

And here it is—the first screenshot! You know I prefer using my own captures rather than anything from Filmaffinity. 🤣

The film is thoroughly entertaining and beautiful in its overall conception—you know, animation, sound, effects, music… all the elements that make up a piece like this. So yes, I do recommend it. If you're into this genre, it's definitely one to watch. You'll have a great time, and it’ll move you too.

Although its messages are delivered with great simplicity, I can tell you there are powerful morals behind them… which you’ll have to uncover for yourself. But—consider this your spoiler alert, because I’m about to drop one here. Still, I know that no matter what I tell you, nothing will compare to experiencing it for yourself.

Here you go, a sticker… need any assistance? 😅

The use of humour is spot on, especially when paired with scenes that reveal the ruthless side of nature. Let’s be honest—not everything’s a bed of roses, and it’s important to show that the food chain does, in fact, work.

What a coincidence—a seagull that fancies crab enchilado after getting her keratin treatment 😂😜.

I told you I enjoy taking screenshots. What do you reckon happened in this scene? 🤣

Don’t think I’ve forgotten how I began this post. I was telling you about a line—a line that distils the essence of the film. It’s brilliant for reflection, for shifting perspective when we feel stuck, for finding a way forward…

One of the early scenes in the film ☝️

I know you all have instincts that keep you alive. But sometimes to survive, we must become more than we were programmed to be.
ROZ

This is the line I mentioned at the beginning of this post. Roz says it during a key moment in the film when an extreme situation becomes an opportunity for connection, understanding, and discovering who we truly are. I’ve found myself in that place many times. There’s a phrase I always remember in this cases: “Do you really want to know someone? Give them time.”

So I hope that, beyond simply enjoying this film, you’ll take away a few insights about life—and about what love, above all, can achieve, even when everything seems impossible.

😎