The Wild Robot : Writing Death for Children
Pam Noonpackdee considers the philosophy of Dreamworks’ Oscar-nominated animation
The Wild Robot has debuted with universal critical praise. Based on a series of children's books, the film tells the simple story of an assistant robot landing on a remote island and is assigned the task of having to take care of a duckling. The gorgeous animation, innovative art direction, charming characters, and creative plot exemplify the best of what an animated film should be. And, like many of the best animated children's films, it doesn’t shy away from approaching difficult subjects. In this case, that subject is death.
Children’s films often approach the subject of death, (think The Lion King, Coco, and Up), often by implying the circle of life rather than showing it. The Wild Robot adopts this strategy. However, due to Dreamworks’ slightly more cynical sense of humor, the constant jokes about an ever-present fear of being eaten show us that The Wild Robot is not afraid of addressing death in all its gory detail. In the world of this film, death is an accepted presence, rather than a scary one, an effect which is partly achieved through the film’s disarming humour. The Wild Robot manages to maintain its lighthearted tone as a children’s film, while also addressing the reality of nature’s circle of life in a way that feels authentic.
“a kind of soul that gives us life beyond consciousness”
Coming from an Asian Buddhist country myself, this is a familiar way of seeing death. The film’s emphasis on cycles - such as the migration of the ducks and the changing seasons on the island - helps us see life as only one of the many cycles we go through. Whether that be an idea of reincarnation, continuing onto another life or realm, or simply a belief in the cycle of life and our role as part of the wider universe - humans have always coped with death by seeing it as part of a larger picture. Through the seasons, the island stays the same, and life continues. Death devastates, winter ravages, but then spring comes. There is a serenity in that cycle. Having passed through so many cycles of life and death, the island feels immortal. The characters, as representatives of their species, almost feel like they live forever as part of the island collective.
The Wild Robot suggests that, in this world, a kind of soul exists that gives us life beyond consciousness. Thus, the ending of Roz being returned to a pearly white city beyond the worldly reality of the island could arguably be seen as showing children what happens after death, specifically, the death of a parent. Motherhood is another emotional drive of the film, particularly in the inevitable separation of mother and child. The film’s emotional ending is reminiscent of the experience all of us must go through; one day, parents will have to leave their children behind, and children will have to say goodbye to their parents for the final time.
“death is an expected presence rather than a scary one”
The ending is almost reminiscent of the famous Eric Clapton song - with a happy ending. In heaven, they will remember your name. In The Wild Robot, there is no final goodbye; we will see eachother again as we move through the cycles of life. Death is not the end.
Image from the ‘Wild Robot’ , directed by Chris Sanders