I’ve been looking forward to Forgotten Island since I first saw previews for it. It looked fun and I was excited to see how it would turn out. After watching the film, I found Forgotten Island wild and endearing, a beautiful story of friendship and found family with a story that is unique and different.
Forgotten Island is an animated fantasy comedy film written and directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado. Set in the Phillipines, the film follows two best friends, Jo (H.E.R.) and Raissa (Liza Soberano) through their childhood where Jo’s grandmother, Lola (Dolly de Leon), tells them stories of her time on the mystical island of Nakali and the monstrous Manananggal. The pair deepen their friendship through matching charm bracelets. Lola dies of old age, leaving Jo an orphan. After high school, Jo then learns that Raissa is going to Caltech leaving her all alone. They spend one last night on the beach, where they find a magical sand dollar transporting them to Nakali. But along the way, they lose their memories of their night and the sand dollar, leaving them trapped. They encounter Batiba (Jenny Slate) who offers them help for their memories but they refuse. They must face the creatures of Nakali, including Manang (Lea Salonga) and rising conflict with each other. A were dog named Raww (David Franco) aids them, along with Bungi (Manny Jacinto) and Mermahn (Kevin McCann). But will they be able to leave the island or will they be forced to give up their memories of each other in order to leave? The film also features Ronny Chieng as Truffle Wuffle, the leader of the Duwende people and Jo Koy as Datu, a Kapre
Forgotten Island is a beautiful story using the mythology and culture of the Philippines. Not only is the culture well depicted and the characters of Jo and Riassa true to the Philippines but the incorporation of the mythology makes for a unique and interesting story. The friendship between the girls is the focal point of the film and that aspect is built carefully at the beginning of the movie. Once on Nakali, we get treated to a combination road trip/buddy film in which the concepts of found family, loneliness, and identity are explored through the girl’s interactions with the creatures on the island.
Not only is the story full of depth but it also explores what happens when friendship is taken for granted as well as what happens to our friendships as we get older, having to make career choices and the changes that happen over time. It demonstrates how difficult it can be to keep the connection of friendship alive and also continue to help our friends soar, even if we are no longer in the same places.
The animation is vivid and bold, distinct and memorable. It is reminiscent of the Spider Verse films, changing between realistic and fantasy colors that rocket off the screen. The bold choices match the pace and attitude of the movie. The animation style is well matched to the action and comedic moments of the movie while still handling the quieter scenes. The music uses a mix of styles, rap along with the music featured in the 90’s and 2000’s. Like the animation, the music is utilized well to match the mood of the movie.
The voice actors are brilliant and skilled in Forgotten Island. H.E.R. who plays Jo balances frenetic action with emotional weight, especially in scenes with her grandmother and when we see her fear of losing her friendship with Raissa. Liza Soberano as Raissa is equally talented, strong and fierce as she uses her intelligence to solve problems. Both actresses have a strong dynamic that sells the friendship between them as believable. Even their conflict is authentic as they learn that each has fears about the future. David Franco as Raww is hilarious and emotional, a great pairing with Liza Soberano and H.E.R. The plethora of other actors in the movie are incredible. Manny Jacinto as Bungi and Kevin McCann as Mermahn are funny in their roles. Jenny Slate as Batiba has a menacing yet lonely quality that comes through clearly in her acting. Lea Salonga as Manang is fierce and dark. I love Dolly de Leon as Lola, adding a warm quality to the introduction of the friends.
The movie is fast paced and can be frenetic. However, for me, I find it far more wild and beautiful. Even though there is a lot going on, the friendship is built from the beginning. I love that the focal point is the friendship between Jo and Raissa. While their road trip on Nakali adds humor and the action but it is the friendship that is the heart of the story. There are moments in the movie that are heartwrenching and just gorgeous as the friendship is tested and we are shown the connection between the two girls.
If you love animated films with action and comedy, that are all about friendship and found family, I highly recommend Forgotten Island. The friendship between Jo and Raissa is the foundation of the movie. The additional characters are fun and add tons of humor. The creatures and mythology of the Philippines is used with care and consideration, highlighting the culture. The fantasy elements are wild and creative. The animation is bold and vivid with music that will make you want to dance along. Forgotten Island is wild and endearing, full of heart and found family.
Rating: 4.5 out of 5 charms.
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