Remember to take a hankie into Cineworld when watching this month's stirring and inspirational animated adventure The Wild Robot. It promises to be a deeply moving experience exploring the fragile yet fascinating collision between mechanised technology and the organic nature of the natural world.
Here's everything you need to know about the latest must-see family movie including story, cast, age rating and release date.
What is The Wild Robot about?
The Wild Robot centres on an advanced android designated ROZZUM Unit 7134. Stranded on a remote tropical island following a typhoon, the sentient robot finds itself initially intimidated and later amazed at the majesty of the natural world.
Dubbing herself 'Roz', the robot then comes across an orphaned baby gosling and she takes on the role of surrogate parent. Naming the bird Brightbill, Roz watches him mature and eventually take flight as he prepares to join the rest of his flock. But what does this mean for Roz herself?
Is The Wild Robot based on a book?
The Wild Robot is based on the first story in Peter Brown's bestselling book series, which may indicate the potential for big-screen sequels. (Brown's other two books are The Wild Robot Escapes and The Wild Robot Protects.)
Who is in the voice cast for The Wild Robot?
Oscar winner Lupita Nyong'o (12 Years a Slave; Black Panther; Us) voices Roz and Heartstopper's Kit Connor voices the adult iteration of Brightbill. Rounding out the cast is Pedro Pascal (soon to be seen in Gladiator 2) as the wily fox Fink, Catherine O'Hara (Beetlejuice Beetlejuice) as the opossum Pinktail and Mark Hamill (Star Wars) as the grizzly bear Thorn.
The all-star cast of names continues with Bill Nighy as the Canada goose Longneck and Stephanie Hsu (Everything Everywhere All At Once) as Vontra, the robot sent to retrieve Roz.
Who directs The Wild Robot?
The Wild Robot is directed by animation veteran Chris Sanders. He co-directed the first movie in the How To Train Your Dragon series (released in 2010) and the 2013 animation The Croods, both for DreamWorks who is distributing The Wild Robot. Before that scored a big hit for Disney with the irreverent, Hawaiian-themed classic Lilo & Stitch (2002).
Sanders tells Polygon: "One of the aspects of the story I really gravitated toward was that there is a strong theme of motherhood that runs throughout — it’s always been a bit of a gag in animation, that there are always missing mothers in these stories. And I’ve come to understand why that is. But in this case, it was core to the story.
Has The Wild Robot received good reviews?
Critics have acclaimed the Wild Robot with many lauding it as the latest animated masterpiece.
"This story is, of course, set in the future, but resonates against the backdrop of our present reality, where technological advances and a growing reliance on A.I. threatens to disconnect us from the world we live in," writes Observer's Emily Zemler. "Sanders presents a meaningful reminder of what’s at stake when we forget about that connection and allow technology to prevail over nature.
"Some of the film’s most memorable images come when Roz’s metal body transforms the longer she lives in the forest, her appearance changing with her surroundings and the animals helping rebuild the parts of her that break. We are useless without a community, the film acknowledges repeatedly, and it’s something every viewer would do well to remember. Although The Wild Robot arrives in the guise of a family film, it is ultimately for everyone."
What is the age rating of The Wild Robot?
The BBFC has classified The Wild Robot as a U, meaning it is suitable for all ages.
Is The Wild Robot playing in special formats at Cineworld?
The Wild Robot is playing in IMAX as well as the Cineworld-exclusive formats 4DX, ScreenX and Superscreen.
IMAX's enlarged screen canvas and pin-sharp resolution will bring greater resonance and clarity to the film's gorgeous visuals. 4DX is a multi-sensory experience that utilises moving seats, wind, rain and scent effects to put you at the heart of Roz's unlikely new island home.
ScreenX projects the wonders of nature on all sides of the auditorium via a unique 270-degree projection system. And Superscreen makes the movie feel like a masterpiece via increased screen size and impressive multidimensional sound.
When is The Wild Robot released at Cineworld?
The Wild Robot is released on October 18th in time for the October half term. Click on the link to book your tickets.
Where can we watch the trailer for The Wild Robot?
Scroll down to watch the trailer for The Wild Robot.
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