Top 10 Heartwarming Moments in The Wild Robot

Roz and Brightbill are brought together under tragic circumstances. Of course, the tragedy is lost on both of them at first. When the adorable gosling hatches, he just sees a mother figure. Roz, meanwhile, sees an objective. While Roz is dedicated to fulfilling the little bird’s needs, motherhood isn’t part of her programming. She turns to a mother possum named Pinktail, voiced by a warm yet blunt Catherine O’Hara. While Pinktail has plenty of experience in the parent department, she isn’t perfect. She’s accepted that not all her children will survive in this hazardous environment. Yet, Pinktail does her best and that’s all Roz can do too. Pinktail reassures parents everywhere that if you’re able to improvise, you’re doing something right.

Roz initially sees the baby gosling as a task while Fink the fox views him as dinner. Even after deciding against eating the bird, Fink’s alliance with Roz is more about self-preservation. Whether he realizes it or not, Fink shows that he’s beginning to care upon insisting that the bird receive a proper name. Numbers won’t do, motivating Roz to make something up. She settles on Brightbill, a name that certainly fits the bill. In addition to giving the bird more of an identity, Roz and Fink evolve as characters. Roz takes the first steps toward thinking creatively, opening herself to possibilities beyond her programming. Just as significant, Fink is legitimately invested in Brightbill’s well-being. Once someone has a name, it’s harder to let go.

Fink and Pinktail show Brightbill kindness, although neither is convinced he’ll survive the winter. The wise Longneck is the first animal in the forest who believes Brightbill not only has the potential to get off the ground, but to soar as high as any other bird. For many children, though, their confidence starts with a push from their parents. As such, Longneck realizes it’s not enough for him to give Brightbill a pep talk. Roz is the one who really needs a confidence boost. Despite Roz’s missteps, Longneck helps her see that she’s already helped Brightbill get further than anyone imagined. He encourages Roz not to give up on Brightbill and - just as essential - not to give up on herself.

Taking damage on the island, Roz loses more than a few parts. Ironically, the more pieces are taken away, the more she gains emotionally. This is symbolized beautifully in the climax as Roz and Brightbill jump from the exploding Universal Dynamics ship. To protect Brightbill, Roz reaches deep inside herself, pulling out her power core. Roz doesn’t need the core to function, securing Brightbill where her heart belongs. The scene speaks to the sacrifices that parents make, as well as the rewards. Brightbill has become Roz’s power core, awakening something within her she never knew was there. Roz didn’t plan on being a mother, but Brightbill is now a part of her. Even when separated, he’ll remain in her heart.

Roz sets out to build a house. She ultimately builds a home. It isn’t an overnight process, and Brightbill’s eagerness to help only slows things down. This may seem like a nuisance, but the two are forming precious memories one tiny stick and stone at a time. Fink is also part of this family, even if doesn’t say it out loud. The fox expresses himself in the form of a bedtime story, comforting Brightbill while revealing his affection for Roz. Despite presenting himself as a loner, Fink has always craved love. Now that he’s part of a loving household, Fink isn’t entirely sure how to respond. As Brightbill snuggles next to a slumbering Roz, though, Fink knows where he wants to be.

During World War I, British and German troops called a temporary ceasefire in observance of Christmas. The animals of the forest might not celebrate holidays, but the harsh winter season does bring about an unlikely truce. Even with Brightbill gone, Roz doesn’t lose her maternal instincts. With help from Fink, she brings the animals under one roof, although this presents another issue. The freezing temperatures don’t change the natural order between predators and prey. Fink steps up at this moment, convincing the other animals not to let Roz’s efforts go to waste. It might not be Zootopia, but until the storm lets up, the animals realize that they need each other to survive. If a bear can make peace, so can everyone else.

Roz isn’t sure if Brightbill will ever forgive her for what happened to his biological family. For now, all that matters is that she teaches him to fly in time for migration. Finding him a tutor in Thunderbolt, Brightbill learns to kiss the sky. Maren Morris’ vocals truly elevate this triumphant moment. As Brightbill takes flight with his flock, Roz’s task is fulfilled. Yet, she doesn’t feel entirely fulfilled. Despite taking great joy in seeing Brightbill succeed, Roz is left with empty nest syndrome. The fact they never fully resolved their differences only adds to the bittersweet sentiment. Watching Brightbill fly away, the conflicted Roz has become much more than a machine. She’s a mother whose task will never be done.

Vontra goes down with the ship, but Universal Dynamics is bound to send another. Realizing that the island will never be safe as long as she’s present, Roz prepares to give herself up. This news hits every animal hard, but none more than Fink. Between the expressive animation and Pedro Pascal’s sincere performance, it’s soul-crushing watching Fink realize that his dearest friend won’t be around for him to talk to anymore. Fink has another revelation, however. While Roz will always be his oldest friend, she isn’t his only friend anymore. Roz and Fink built a community that comes in for a group hug as one of their own makes a sacrifice for the greater good. Although this is farewell, Roz’s impact on the island endures.

Life goes on with Fink taking his place as the island’s resident storyteller. Roz may be gone, but Fink is convinced that her story isn’t over yet. Brightbill shares the same feelings, searching for his mother as the seasons change again. Arriving at a Universal Dynamics facility, Brightbill encounters many ROZZUM units, although only one has a mother’s touch. As Brightbill approaches his mom, he isn’t sure what to expect. For all he knows, her memories have been erased along with the love she felt for him. In so few words, Roz reveals that there’s a part of her that nobody can take away. The final image leaves the audience on an emotional high, saying everything with a loving embrace between mother and son.

As emotionally satisfying as the ending is, this scene raised our spirits from the depths of our tears. Returning to the island, Brightbill sets out to save Roz from Vontra. By the time he finds her, though, it appears the robot has lost everything that made her Roz. Nestling where he used to sleep as a hatchling, Brightbill lets out everything he wishes he had said sooner. He doesn’t blame Roz for what happened and her dedication to setting things right means the world to him. If you aren’t crying after Brightbill says those three little words, hearing him call Roz his mom will push you over the edge. It ignites something in Roz as well, restoring the wild robot’s memories and soul.

Which “Wild Robot” moment continues to touch your heart? Let us know in the comments.