James Oconner 
Anil Krishna 
Jonathan Millar 
Forgotten Island Review: DreamWorks Doesn’t Reinvent the Wheel, But It Still Surprises
DreamWorks Animation / Universal Pictures
Human beings are like constellations in constant evolution—collections of tiny lights that shift and transform over a lifetime, piecing together the unique inner puzzle that forms our foundation. To live is to venture into a world that is always partly unknown; yet every experience and memory we gather along the way leaves a lasting mark, imprinting something deep within us, often before we even realize it. Forgotten Island—a new animated feature from DreamWorks hitting theaters on September 24, 2026—takes this universal concept and reimagines it with a burst of wildly imaginative creativity.
Directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado start with the magic of oral tradition, expanding it into a story that resonates deeply with audiences. Forgotten Island is ultimately a story about all of us, told in its own distinct voice. That is where it leaves its mark: while its core themes may not be entirely brand-new, animation has the unique power to open fresh creative doors that live-action films rarely reach. DreamWorks has accustomed us to technically stunning, meticulously crafted films, and Forgotten Island proudly lives up to that high standard.
Two Bracelets
The film centers on a lifelong friendship between two girls: Jo (voiced in the original version by H.E.R.) and Raissa (Liza Soberano). Different from their peers, they share a deeply imaginative and creative approach to life that binds them together well into their late teens. However, at a pivotal crossroads—the end of high school, when major life decisions loom—something happens that threatens to pull them apart.
As children, the girls made a vow tied to the stories they grew up with. Yet on what was supposed to be their final night together before a bittersweet farewell, a magical portal transports them to the legendary Island of Nakali. There is just one catch: hours have passed since they crossed over, and neither Jo nor Raissa can remember what they did during that time. How will they ever get home? Is there a way back?
What Does It Mean to Grow Up?
The greatest strength of Forgotten Island lies in its ability to take complex themes and express them through a spirited, uninhibited creativity that never holds back. Crawford and Mercado seamlessly step into the lives of their characters, examining their strengths and flaws with a light touch that gives those imperfections room to breathe. Friendship, loyalty, selfishness, personal growth, and legacy come together in a narrative dance fueled by boundless imagination and a massive heart. The film catapults viewers into a world defined by its own precise creative rules, yet one that feels vast and expansive. The Island of Nakali presents a wild blend of fairy tales and folklore, all finding true meaning through the journey of the young protagonists.
There is a wonderful sense of kinetic energy throughout the film, delighting viewers not just through the direction, but especially via a superb mixed-media animation style that practically leaps off the screen. This visual feast is driven by clever interplay between foreground and background details, alongside distinct character designs for every element in the story. Underpinning it all is a genuine passion for the narrative—something that isn’t always guaranteed in modern cinema. This wholehearted dedication to Jo and Raissa makes them magnetic yet deeply relatable figures. Their human vulnerabilities blend seamlessly with a world that is over-the-top, zany, and delightfully chaotic, balancing joyful moments with serious emotional stakes.
Forgotten Island stands out in today’s animation landscape because it actually has something to say, even while drawing on familiar tropes. It carves out an original, deeply emotional path, transforming the familiar into the unpredictable through polished, meticulously crafted animation. Alongside this, the film introduces a wealth of intriguing concepts and characters, pulling viewers deeper into its expansive world. Through rich symbolism and high-tension moments, the story speaks candidly about the value of memory and conviction.
Ultimately, Forgotten Island forges a unique identity by taking timeless themes—friendship, growing up, memory, and the importance of bonds—and elevating them through an imaginative animated fantasy. Jo and Raissa’s journey succeeds thanks to its emotional sensitivity and the vast, symbolic wilderness of Nakali, where mixed-media magic reaches its full potential. The direction, visual details, and high-stakes moments come together in a film that may not reinvent the wheel, but transforms the familiar into something genuinely unforgettable.
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