‘Forgotten Island’ Review: A DreamWorks Animation Tale of Friendship and Growth

In ‘Forgotten Island,’ two best friends face their final night together before adulthood pulls them apart, only to find themselves trapped on a mythical island where the cost of returning home is every memory they’ve shared. This is the premise of DreamWorks Animation’s latest theatrical offering, crafted by the filmmakers behind ‘Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.’ The story follows Jo, voiced by H.E.R., and Raissa, voiced by Liza Soberano, as their graduation night detour evolves into a desperate race to retain their memories of each other.

The film deeply immerses itself in Filipino folklore, bringing to life the world of Nakali with creatures and spirits drawn from authentic mythology rather than generic fantasy elements. The voice cast includes notable talents like Lea Salonga, Jo Koy, Manny Jacinto, Ronny Chieng, and Dolly de Leon, ensuring that the cultural nuances are woven into the visual design and humor. This approach allows the studio to genuinely explore a specific cultural narrative instead of diluting it for mass appeal.

What truly struck me was the film’s tonal shifts. One moment, it showcases a frenetic buddy comedy with two weary teenagers bickering through monster encounters, and the next, it delves into the poignant reality of watching a friendship fade. This tonal whiplash could feel forced in less capable hands, but here, each transition feels authentic and earned.

The animation plays a crucial role as well. It features a painterly, handcrafted texture that lends Nakali a storybook charm. Occasionally, the film employs a flatter, more graphic style for flashbacks or memory sequences, delivering emotional punches precisely because of their distinct visual treatment. Such artistic choices resonate deeply when supported by a solid emotional foundation, which this film largely achieves.

However, not every element fits seamlessly. Some supporting creatures seem to have stepped in from a different script, appearing merely for comedic relief or spectacle rather than enhancing the story’s stakes. At times, the narrative loses focus on the two central girls in favor of flashy moments, leaving me wishing the film would trust its core relationship enough to slow down further. Yet, when it centers on its true themes, it becomes remarkably impactful, particularly in the emotionally charged ending sequence.

This film stands out as one of those rare family movies that resonates with adults just as much as children. The humor operates on multiple levels without feeling like it’s condescending to younger viewers. The central theme of witnessing loved ones evolve into different versions of themselves is a universal experience, making ‘Forgotten Island’ relatable for all ages.

As the credits roll, what lingers is not just the imaginative monster designs or the humor, but the poignant realization that friendships can have expiration dates, whether we are ready for that truth or not. This film successfully carries a specific narrative that resonates on a universal level, and while it has a few underdeveloped side characters and a sagging middle, its emotional core remains strong, which is what truly matters.

Walking out of ‘Forgotten Island,’ I found myself reflecting on my own friendships that once fit within a single summer and no longer do, which is a significant compliment for an animated film set on a fictional island. This is a confident, culturally rich story from a studio that aimed to create something meaningful, and that intention shines through in nearly every frame. My score for ‘Forgotten Island’ is 9 out of 10.

What are your thoughts on ‘Forgotten Island’? Did the ending resonate with you as deeply as it did with me? Share your feelings in the comments.