"Sometimes, to survive, you must become more than you were programmed to be."

The Wild Robot is a surprising portrayal of nature versus nurture – a film that, despite its simple plot, goes deeper than you'd expect. At first, the premise seems predictable: a dystopian robot, Roz, is stranded on an island after a typhoon and forced to adapt to the wild. Yet, the filmmaker transforms this simplicity into something profound, a message of what it truly means to survive and grow.

From the beginning, the visuals are impressive. Colours shift with Roz's journey, moving from steely greys and blues as she awakens to lush greens, warm oranges, and earthy browns as she settles into island life. It's like seeing the world come alive through her mechanical eyes. The animated expressions of the animals and Roz are so well done that some scenes need no dialogue at all.

Though Roz is "just a robot," she's surprisingly relatable. As she journeys through survival, her programming evolves into a sense of connection and growth. The film introduces a lively cast of foxes, beavers, squirrels, and raccoons, each with guarded feelings towards Roz – because, in a way, they are programmed to distrust her too. It's an ironic take when you realise they have a lot of things in common with a robot because we all have our instincts.

Roz's character arc is brilliantly crafted. Despite being designed for perfection, she makes mistakes and takes responsibility, subtly reflecting a very human quality. The film cleverly twists typical ideas, showing an unfeeling robot experiencing the highs and lows of motherhood, friendship, and the weight of responsibility.

What's most striking and unique is the film's portrayal of the wilderness in all its raw, untamed beauty. Scenes that might typically seem brutal – migration, hibernation, even the wild animal food chain – are presented with such charm that they're even funny. The film highlights the quirks and rhythms of the wilderness in a balanced way that feels genuine and engaging, transforming what might be harsh realities into moments of connection and warmth.

At its heart, The Wild Robot is about more than survival – it's about defying instinct and learning to care. Roz could have simply followed her programming, but instead, she chooses to adapt, protect, and connect with her new family. In turn, the animals grow too, stepping beyond their natural instincts to support Roz. The story reminds us that real growth begins when we move beyond our comfort zones to care for others, even if it is not instinctive at first.

In the final showdown, accompanied by incredible cinematography, the story comes full circle unpredictably and satisfyingly. Without giving anything away, the ending feels like the perfect resolution even if it was not the expected one, showing a bittersweet evolution of Roz's journey. The Wild Robot is a cinematic experience that stays with you, reminding the audience of the connections that make us human, even in the unlikeliest of places.

Tinath Zaeba is an optimistic daydreamer, a cat mom of five, and a student of economics at North South University.