The other day my children had a day off school so I wondered if there were any movies out that might satisfy a teenage boy, grade-school girl, and their middle-aged mother. Turns out, yes. A big, resounding, yes.
The Wild Robot is the first in a three-book series by author, illustrator, and multi-literary-award-winner, Peter Brown. DreamWorks later acquired the story and turned it into the recent magical Monday morning experience with my children.
10 Themes & Things I Loved in The Wild Robot
- It is gorgeous. The butterfly scene alone can leave you breathless. There is great beauty and simplicity in the animation. It’s almost old-school without being outdated.
- It is funny. There are surprising giggles, heartfelt smiles, and full-on guffaws. And, I’ll say (because I’m an old-fashioned ninny) it’s all squeaky clean, not a potty joke in the bunch.
- Moms aren’t perfect. Goodness, how I loved this. There is an unabashed celebration that sometimes we feel like we have no idea what we are doing raising our kids. But, whatever we do is done in love, sacrifice, (and sometimes a lot of research).
- “Good” parenting can look different. While the robot was gentle, the possum, hilariously voiced by the great Catherine O’Hara, was direct, irreverent, yet caring in a no-nonsense way. And, you know what, they were both great moms and had wonderful connections with their children.
- The variety of the village. The group of animals who help this robot raise her baby goose are varied in personality, talents, and frequency of presence. As with us, the robot needed different people for different reasons at different times.
- Belonging and purpose matter. Several characters in this movie are initially isolated, grumpy, hurting, and/or prideful. In a wonderfully organic way, they find their place in the group while being allowed to remain true to who they are. It’s beautifully and authentically done.
- Mothering is not limited to children. I loved this! While the robot spent countless hours caring for and sacrificing to raise her goose, it was not her only purpose. She was intricately involved in inspiring and bringing the village together when they needed it most. Her purpose was her child and also more than her child. Powerful.
- Mothering does not end when our children leave. About 2/3 of the way through I thought, “Wait, it’s over? That seemed short.” This thought existed because I am conditioned to think when the kid leaves the nest, the story is over. Strikingly, that is not the case here as the robot continues to have purpose, pain, adventures, and joy even after her kiddo leaves.
- There’s a coach! Okay, this one probably just thrilled me as a coach’s wife. But, because a robot does not know how to fly, a very cool hawk voiced by Ving Rhames is called in to help. I loved watching him mentor the new skill.
- Differences can exist without (always) dividing. I loved the nuance of this message. The animals were different and had differences, and they were allowed to remain in those differences…unless they needed to get past them for the greater good. Timely.
Lastly, I love that I could add at least ten more things. The breadth of concepts covered in this movie is incredible. In a world plagued with comparison, othering, and criticism, The Wild Robot is a beautiful, simple, and powerful breath of fresh air. I truly hope you and your family, whatever their ages, get the chance to enjoy it!
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Anne Rulo 