Forgotten Island, helmed by directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, is set to release in theaters on September 25. The film, also written by Crawford and Mercado, builds upon their success with DreamWorks Animation's Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, offering a story that is both intimate and grand in scope.
The narrative centers on high school seniors Jo, voiced by singer-songwriter H.E.R., and Raissa, voiced by Liza Soberano. Their close friendship faces a significant test as Raissa prepares to move to America for college. The night before her departure, they are unexpectedly transported to Nakali, a mystical realm populated by creatures from Filipino folklore, familiar to Jo from stories told by her late grandmother, Lola Fatima. Now, they must navigate this unfamiliar world and find their way home, all while trying to recall a 12-hour memory gap that obscures their arrival.
Set in the late 1980s or early 1990s, indicated by the era's technology and music, Forgotten Island quickly establishes Jo and Raissa as a compelling duo. The film details the origins of their friendship, highlighting their shared affection for the unusual and macabre. Their childhood fascination with folklore creatures, which they would reenact for classmates, is depicted with humor and a touch of danger.
While accessible to younger audiences with age-appropriate humor, the film resonates with older viewers by capturing the joy of niche interests. The core of the story lies in the believable bond between Jo and Raissa, emphasizing the significance of finding a kindred spirit, regardless of shared hobbies.
Nakali is brought to life with a vibrant array of fantastical beings. Raww, a weredog voiced by Dave Franco, acts as their guide, having spent the missing hours partying with them. Other notable characters include the childlike Bungi (Manny Jacinto), the memory-collecting Batiba (Jenny Slate), the aquatic Mermahn (Kevin McCann), and the diminutive but irascible King Truffle Wuffle (Ronny Chieng). The primary antagonist is the Manang, a fearsome Manananggal portrayed by Lea Salonga, a creature capable of splitting herself at the waist. The animation vividly renders Manang as a genuinely unsettling presence, a testament to Crawford and Mercado's willingness to explore darker themes in family animation, reminiscent of Death in Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. The unsettling imagery of Raissa waking with Manang's wings attached by demonic hands adds a creepy dimension even before the creature appears.
Forgotten Island expertly balances its various elements, combining a stylistic energy akin to Scott Pilgrim vs. The World with effective comedy and visually engaging creatures. The film thoughtfully integrates Filipino culture, both in the characters' daily lives and the folklore it explores, offering an inviting glimpse into this rich heritage.
The film is fundamentally a celebration of friendship and the enduring power of shared memories. The missing 12 hours serve as a comedic engine, creating a family-friendly parallel to The Hangover, as Jo and Raissa awaken to signs of a wild night. These lost memories also set up crucial plot points, forcing the protagonists to confront the importance of past experiences in shaping their present selves.
In its verdict, IGN praises Forgotten Island as another terrific animated film from the directors of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. It commends the movie for its relatable leads, heartfelt story about how experiences shape individuals, and engaging adventure through a fantastical realm inspired by Filipino folklore. The review also notes the film's surprising and effective use of elements from the Predator franchise.