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As artificial intelligence advances at an unprecedented pace, humanity is left grappling with profound questions about its impact on our future. These uncertainties are frequently explored in pop culture, where depictions of AI range from utopian dreams to apocalyptic nightmares. The Wild Robot delves into this complex relationship through the story of Rozzum Unit 7134, or “Roz,” a robot who washes ashore on an island inhabited entirely by animals.

After a harrowing encounter with a bear, Roz accidentally destroys a family of geese, leaving behind a single unhatched egg. When the egg hatches, Roz reluctantly becomes the caretaker of the gosling, Brightbill. “I do not have the programming to be a mother,” Roz declares, only to be reassured by a mother possum: “No one does. We just make it up” (Sanders). Through themes of motherhood, survival, and technology, The Wild Robot weaves an emotional narrative of unlikely companionship and adaptation. Examining this book to film adaptation allows us to reflect on the cultural anxieties that inspired it, its portrayal of artificial intelligence, and how the gospel offers completion to its story.

Before delving into the themes of The Wild Robot, it is essential to consider the context in which it was created. A significant influence on The Wild Robot is our world’s increasing dependency on technology and the anxieties it fosters. As we see technology gradually perform more and more of our daily tasks, it is no wonder a movie emerged critiquing their role in our lives. Rozzum was created specifically to serve humans, a purpose evident when she first arrives on the island. She immediately begins asking the animals if they have any tasks for her to complete, as her design revolves entirely around assisting humanity. Later in the film, a brief advertisement for the Rozzum robot showcases a cheerful, idyllic vision of how effortless life could be with one at your service. Yet, despite its upbeat tone, the ad evokes unease, as its oversimplification highlights the potential dangers of reductionism. This poses a threat by encouraging us to view ourselves as machines—valuing efficiency and task completion above all else. This concept resonates with the film’s portrayal of Roz, who initially embodies this utilitarian perspective but gradually grows beyond it.

Author Peter Brown echoed these ideas when explaining his inspiration for the story: “I wrote The Wild Robot in part to show an alternative vision for what maybe robots could look like in the future" ("The Wild Robot"). By designing Roz as a character who learns to integrate into a natural world and form meaningful relationships, Brown challenges the prevailing narratives of cold, utilitarian AI often seen in pop culture. His depiction of Roz illustrates a hopeful future where robots could complement human life without reducing intelligence—or existence itself—to mere functionality. At the same time, the film warns viewers of the potential consequences of losing sight of humanity’s deeper purposes and connections.

Despite The Wild Robot featuring no human characters, it delivers a profoundly human story about the intersection of emotion, programming, and artificial intelligence. A central theme of the film is the tension between programmed logic and genuine emotional connection. When Roz becomes the guardian of Bright Bill, an orphaned gosling, she initially cares for him out of a sense of obligation. However, Roz approaches this role with a rigid, task-oriented mindset—so much so that she attempts to name the gosling with numbers. This mechanical perspective starkly contrasts with the unpredictable and emotional nature of parenting, something most parents would agree is far from black and white. This disconnect becomes especially apparent when Bright Bill struggles with belonging. After being rejected by other geese for being different, he confronts Roz, leading to one of the film’s most emotionally charged moments:

Bright Bill: "What even am I?"

Roz: "You swam satisfactorily today, and if you keep practicing—"

Bright Bill: "I still won’t belong!"

Roz: "I understand."

Bright Bill: "You don’t understand anything! You don’t feel anything! You’re not my mom!" (Sanders).

This scene underscores one of AI’s greatest limitations: its inability to feel. Yet, it also marks a turning point for Roz. Despite her programming, she begins to change. Her dedication to Bright Bill becomes covenantal, and she evolves into a robot capable of deep emotional connections—even self-sacrifice for those she loves.

In an interview, Chris Sanders, the screenwriter and director of The Wild Robot, shares his belief that “robots are particularly good at telling these human stories” ("The Wild Robot"). Robots transcend barriers such as race, gender, and age, creating a blank slate that conveys messages with “incredible clarity and purity.” In the case of The Wild Robot, that message is one of kindness, love, and sacrifice—qualities that are fundamentally human, even when embodied by a machine. The film also explores the question: What does it mean to be human? In a podcast interview, Peter Brown, the author of the book that inspired the movie, emphasized the importance of Roz’s mortality in shaping her character. He wanted children to feel genuine concern for Roz’s well-being, which required making her vulnerable rather than invincible (Crowe). Throughout the film, we see glimpses of Roz’s physical deterioration—her foot detaches and her panels are damaged. These moments not only highlight the sacrifices she makes as a mother but also evoke a deep empathy from the audience. Roz’s vulnerability is what makes her feel human. Unlike other technologies designed to be flawless, Roz has limitations, and it’s through those limitations that her humanity shines. By portraying her fragility and capacity for love, the film reminds us that being human is not about perfection or invincibility, but connection.

Christians can approach The Wild Robot with appreciation and completion, using the gospel to respond to its themes of empathy, morality, and redemption. The film portrays profound messages that resonate with biblical values, particularly in Roz’s development of empathy and sacrificial love. One particularly moving moment is when Bright Bill, Roz’s adopted gosling, nestles under her lifeless head and whispers, “What happened was not your fault. But what you did to try to fix it is everything" (Sanders). This scene captures a depth of sacrificial love that parallels Jesus’ act of taking our shortcomings upon Himself. While it wasn’t His fault, He bore the burden to restore us. This emotional connection makes the film relatable for parents and a powerful metaphor for Christ’s redemptive love. In Christ, we find a hope that transcends the immediate and broken realities portrayed in the film, pointing to a future where all things are made new.

As we consider our “lived interpretation” of the film, we should advocate for ethical AI development that upholds human dignity and justice. This means prioritizing the creation of instruments over devices—tools that assist rather than dominate—and preserving the “assist” in assistance. We must continue to value and protect distinctly human qualities like empathy, creativity, and artistry, recognizing their unique role in reflecting God’s image. Furthermore, fostering community and empathy in technological contexts is essential, ensuring that innovation enhances human flourishing rather than detracting from it. Christians are called to witness hope in Christ, reminding the world that while technology can aid human life, it cannot provide ultimate meaning or redemption.

The Wild Robot is more than a tale about a robot finding her place in an unfamiliar world. It is a heartfelt exploration of creativity, empathy, motherhood, kindness, and stewardship. Ultimately, the film reminds us of the necessity of human connection over technological reliance. At the beginning of the story, Bright Bill struggles with the realization that Roz’s care might stem from obligation rather than genuine love—a critique often directed at AI companions. Yet, as their bond deepens, Roz’s actions reveal a sacrificial care that transcends programming. This serves as a powerful reminder of the beauty of covenantal love, a love not born out of task or utility but out of an irreplaceable bond. It reflects the ultimate example of love found in Christ, who loves us not because of obligation but out of His abundant grace.