DreamWorks Animation heads into unfamiliar territory with Forgotten Island, a colourful fantasy adventure that combines friendship, comedy and a surprisingly emotional idea about what we are willing to sacrifice to find our way home.
The film follows best friends Jo and Raissa, who become stranded on the mysterious world of Nakali. Filled with strange creatures, magical landscapes and plenty of danger, the island initially feels like the perfect setting for a big animated adventure. But the pair soon discover that escaping may come at a devastating cost: they could be forced to give up the memories and emotions they have built together over their lifetime.
That central concept is easily the film’s strongest element. Beneath the colourful animation and family-friendly humour is a genuinely interesting question about the importance of memories and relationships. What makes our experiences valuable if we are forced to forget them? And if getting home means losing the people and moments that helped shape us, is it really worth it?
There are moments when Forgotten Island taps into that emotional potential particularly well. The friendship between Jo and Raissa gives the story its heart, and the film works best when it allows their relationship to take centre stage rather than relying on its more conventional adventure elements.
Visually, the film delivers what you would expect from a major DreamWorks production. Nakali is an imaginative world packed with colourful environments and unusual creatures, giving the animation plenty of opportunity to create something vibrant and entertaining. The voice cast also brings plenty of personality, with H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Dave Franco, Manny Jacinto and Jenny Slate among those lending their voices to the film.
For me, Forgotten Island didn’t always make the most of its intriguing premise. There are plenty of entertaining ideas scattered throughout the film, but some of them feel familiar, and the story occasionally falls back on the conventions of the animated adventure genre. The comedy can be hit and miss, while some of the more emotional moments don’t land with quite the impact the filmmakers appear to be aiming for. It’s a film that feels like it is constantly reaching for something deeper, particularly in its exploration of friendship and memory, but doesn’t always take the time to fully develop those ideas.
Still, there’s enough here to make Forgotten Island an enjoyable family viewing experience. The animation is appealing, the fantasy setting is fun to explore and the friendship at the centre of the story provides a solid emotional foundation. It may not reach the heights of DreamWorks’ very best work, but there is a warmth to the film that makes it difficult to completely dismiss.
Forgotten Island is scheduled for release in cinemas across Australia on September 17, 2026.
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