Based on the New York Times Best-Seller by the same name

The new animated movie, The Wild Robot, is based on a book by the same name. First, I had not read the book, but I understood the premise of the book before watching the film. Next, I am aware that fans and critics liked this movie. It is even being billed as one of the best animated films of the year. I went into the movie with an open mind. I will break down the movie and give you my recommendations. In The Wild Robot Christian Movie Review, I give you the information you need before viewing this movie with your children.

The Wild Robot Christian Movie Review

Studio Synopsis:

From DreamWorks Animation comes a new adaptation of a literary sensation, Peter Brown’s beloved, award-winning, #1 New York Times bestseller, The Wild Robot.

The epic adventure follows the 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.

The Wild Robot stars Academy Award® winner Lupita Nyong’o (Us, The Black Panther franchise) as robot Roz; Emmy and Golden Globe nominee Pedro Pascal (The Last of Us, The Mandalorian) as fox Fink; Emmy winner Catherine O’Hara (Schitt’s Creek, Best in Show) as opossum Pinktail; Oscar® nominee Bill Nighy (Living, Love Actually) as goose Longneck; Kit Connor (Heartstopper, Rocketman) as gosling Brightbill and Oscar® nominee Stephanie Hsu (Everything Everywhere All at Once, this summer’s The Fall Guy) as Vontra, a robot that will intersect with Roz’s life on the island.

My Synopsis:

Based on the popular children’s book, The Wild Robot follows the story of a shipwrecked robot stranded on an island and learns to adapt to the natural world while interacting with animals. While the premise promises a heartwarming tale of discovery and survival, the film left me ambivalent. Although I didn’t dislike it, it didn’t live up to my expectations. Furthermore, I consider it a cross between Wall-E and Bicentenial Man starring Robin Williams  – neither film is in my top 5000 films!

The Wild Robot Christian Review – What Parents Want to Know

Language:

There is no foul language, but the film uses words like “weirdo,” “jerk,” and “sucks,” which may not be ideal for younger children.

Violence:

• The film contains scary scenes, including a thunderstorm with lightning, thunder, and flashing lights.
• Animals eating other animals are shown, which may disturb sensitive viewers.
• A bear growls and chases the robot, adding some tense moments.
• There are a few scenes where there are lasers and shooting.

Spiritual Content:

There is no overt spiritual content in the movie. However, one line stood out to me when the robot says, “I don’t have the programming to be a mother,” to which an animal replies, “No one does. We just make it up.” Personally, I believe God equips us to be mothers, and this line felt at odds with that belief.

Deception:

Mild deception is part of the storyline, though it is not heavily emphasized. Additionally, there is a scene where characters lie.

Other Content:

When a little gosling comes across a family of geese, he is bullied because he is different. 

Positive Content:

• The themes of adaptability, survival, and learning to live in harmony with nature are present throughout the film.
• The protagonist robot’s journey of self-discovery and nurturing instincts may provide some positive lessons on empathy, finding your purpose, and responsibility.

Teachable Moments

This film, like others such as Wall-E and Bicentennial Man, portrays robots as having human-like emotions and qualities. After watching The Wild Robot, take the opportunity to discuss with your children the distinction between humans, who are made in God’s image, and robots, which are programmed machines. It’s important to emphasize the falsehood that an intelligent robot can be truly human, even though they may be portrayed that way in movies. Many people believe that with AI (artificial intelligence), robots will gain the same capabilities that humans have. 

What does God say about creation? Genesis 2:7: “Then the LORD God formed the man of dust from the ground and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life, and the man became a living creature.” God breathed life into man!

There are other lessons such as the food chain. Certain animals eat plants, and other animals eat those animals. Discuss the difference between herbivores, carnivores, and omnivores. Other words to include in these lessons are predator and prey.

Finally, talk about wild animals and their instincts. Ask your children if they think wild animals ever go against their instincts or if it is a case of eat or be eaten.

My Viewing Recommendations

The Wild Robot offers some interesting visuals and thought-provoking moments but might not resonate with everyone, especially when viewed through a Christian lens. Families may want to be cautious about some of the scary or violent content, and the messaging around motherhood may not align with everyone’s beliefs. I also felt that the movie was disjointed.

However, critics and audiences love this movie, and when viewed as just entertainment, it is a visually appealing movie with a good story designed to tug at the heartstrings. Additionally, there are funny scenes such as a mother possum with young possums that are learning how to play dead. I did laugh and cry, but at the end of the movie I felt tat it lacked a meaningful message that children would understand. My overall viewing recommendations are for ages 7-8 and up.

About the Movie:

Rating: PG for action/peril and thematic elements.
Release Date: September 27, 2024
Runtime: 1 hour, 42 minutes
Genre: Animated/Family
Studio: Dreamworks Animation

Directed by: Chris Sanders
Written by: Chris Sanders. Based upon the book The Wild Robot by Peter Brown
Produced by: Jeff Hermann
Edited by: Mary Blee
Music by: Kris Bowers
Distributed by: Universal Pictures

The Cast of The Wild Robot

ROZZUM unit 7134 (Roz) voiced by Lupita Nyong’o

Fink voiced by Pedro Pascal

Brightbill voiced by Kit Connor

Pinktail voiced by Catherine O’Hara (currently in BeetleJuice, BeetleJuice, and last seen in Argylle)

Longneck voiced by Bill Nighy

Vontra voiced by Stephane Hsu

Thorn voiced by Mark Hamill

Paddler voiced by Matt Berry

Thunderbolt voiced by Ving Rhames

Frequently Asked Questions:

Is there an end-credit scene for The Wild Robot?

Yes, there is a short end-credit scene at the very end of the credits.