Dreamworks' latest animated feature, Forgotten Island, retells a classic coming-of-age narrative with a uniquely energetic and visually dynamic approach. While the overarching story of two best friends facing the cusp of adulthood is familiar, the film distinguishes itself through a blend of Filipino folklore, nonlinear storytelling, abundant anime references, and a barrage of humor and music.
At its core, Forgotten Island centers on Jo, a free-spirited artist, and Raissa, her more reserved and studious best friend. Their lifelong bond, forged since childhood, is depicted through a series of illustrative scenes highlighting how they complement and support each other. Jo's imaginative spirit emboldens Raissa, while Raissa's validation encourages Jo's creative impulses. This mutually dependent friendship, represented by matching charm bracelets, becomes the emotional anchor of the film. Their divergent paths emerge as Raissa receives an opportunity to attend Caltech in the U.S., a prospect that deeply unsettles Jo, who feels left behind by her friend's impending departure and her own uncertain future.
The narrative takes a fantastical turn when a magical portal transports Jo and Raissa to the legendary island of Nakali on their last night together. Jo sees this as an escape from the impending separation, while Raissa is more hesitant. Upon arrival, they discover they've already experienced a significant adventure on the island, the details of which they cannot recall. The majority of the film follows their quest to piece together this forgotten day, aided by a helpful were-dog named Raww and encountering various creatures and characters who hold fragments of their lost memories.
The film's visual style is a notable departure from typical American animated features. Drawing inspiration from the experimental animation of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish and infusing it with anime aesthetics, Forgotten Island boasts a hyperactive, colorful, and often dazzling presentation. This visual dynamism supports the film's kinetic action sequences and amplifies the emotional highs and lows experienced by Jo and Raissa.
Despite its vibrant spectacle, the movie's emotional core remains strong. The unraveling of Jo and Raissa's friendship, though painful, is handled with nuance, exploring the challenges of growing apart and the difficulty of navigating individual growth within a shared past. The script imbues their relationship with genuine stakes, making it easy to empathize with both characters as they confront their shortcomings and their enduring need for each other.
However, the film is not without its minor drawbacks. Some of the supporting characters and comedic elements, such as the vain Prince Mermahn and the tiyanak Bungi, occasionally feel more like a checklist of Filipino folklore creatures than fully developed personalities. The film's reliance on pop music, while thematically relevant at times, can become overwhelming, occasionally overshadowing the original score and H.E.R.'s new song.
Ultimately, Forgotten Island succeeds through its confident emotional grounding and expressive artistry. The creators bring a unique vision to familiar themes of friendship, memory, and the transition to adulthood. The film's memorable execution of these universal ideas makes it a standout, much like the experiences and memories it so vividly portrays.
Forgotten Island releases in theaters on September 25.