During a typhoon in the future, a cargo vessel containing a shipment of Universal Dynamics robots, crashes on an island. Except for one, Rozzum model 7134, all the others are destroyed. That's the way "The Wild Robot" (Universal/Dreamworks) begins.

Programmed to complete tasks, 7134 (voiced by Lupita Nyong’o) discovers that she is surrounded by the animals of the island, including raccoons, moose, beavers, an assortment of birds, a bear, and a mother possum, Pinktail (voiced by Catherine O’Hara), and her offspring, all of whom are terrified of 7134 and call her a monster. There is also a sly fox Fink (voiced by Pedro Pascal), who is initially an adversary.

Another important discovery is that the crash on the island resulted in the death of a mother goose (!), and the destruction all but one of the eggs in her nest. When said egg hatches and the gosling immediately imprints on 7134, who now goes by Roz, she has tasks to complete, such as teaching the gosling runt, named Brightbill (voiced by queer actor Kit Connor), how to eat, swim, and fly by fall, before the annual migration begins. Longneck (voiced by Bill Nighy), the flock’s gander elder, along with a seemingly reformed Fink, assist in the training.

But for all the onscreen sweetness, including Roz developing as much feeling as a robot possibly can, a looming darkness eventually takes hold. Sent by the company to retrieve Roz, ruthless robot Vantra (voiced by queer actor Stephanie Hsu) adds a terrifying element to the story. But fear not, after upheaval and devastation, a hard-won happy ending is delivered.

Here is what makes “The Wild Robot” so exceptional and unforgettable. At its core, it’s a movie about standing out and fitting in, chosen family, friendship, and survival. The juxtaposition of the futuristic/science fiction presence amidst the natural inhabitants of the island, is also handled with grace and intelligence, creating a scenario as believable as an animated movie can be.

Not since “Wall-E” has there been a loveable piece of machinery, such as Roz, so lovingly created. The animation is sensational, and the script, by director Chris Sanders (writer/director of “How to Train Your Dragon” and others), finds the balance between comedy, drama, and action, necessary for an audience of all ages. 

Rating: A-