This animated film from Dreamworks has a lot going for it. First, we’ve come to love robots since Wall-E, Big Hero 6, Bicentennial Man, and the Star Wars series. A 2020 survey found that 80% of people globally were open to having a robot as a personal assistant. They valued a robot’s non-judgmental nature and efficiency in providing support.
Second, the film is based on a bestselling children’s book by Peter Brown, the first of three in a series. The science fiction story has already proven to be popular with young and old alike. Add in luscious watercolor animation, a detailed and beautiful forest setting, an all-animal cast, and voice work by skilled actors – and you are set up to truly enjoy this one.
During a storm Rozzum Unit 7134, a personal service robot made by Universal Dynamics, washes up on an island only inhabited by animals. Also known as Roz (voiced by Lupita Nyong’o), the robot looks to find the task it is to perform; that’s what she was built for. When she then accidentally destroys a nest, she finds an egg, from which a gosling hatches. The little one, named Brightbill (Kit Connor), imprints on Roz as its mother. Roz realizes her task is to help it learn to swim and fly so it can join others like it during their annual migration. She gets some help from a fox named Fink (Pedro Pascal).
The story gets complicated as more animals appear on the scene and Universal Dynamics sends a robot to retrieve Roz. She not only has to fulfill her task, she has to determine what and who is most important to her. As she surveys all that is happening, she also has to decide how to best protect the animals she has come to love.
The third thing this film has going for it is its emphasis on a found family. Many viewers will have had this experience and will identify with Roz, Brightbill, Fink, and the others.