DreamWorks Animation's latest film, "Forgotten Island," directed by Joel Crawford and Januel P. Mercado, is being hailed as a significant entry for its animated design and deep dive into Filipino culture and mythology. The movie focuses on the enduring friendship between two young girls, Josephine "Jo" Yuson (voiced by H.E.R.) and Raissa Molina (Liza Soberano), who share a bond over Filipino folklore and the stories told by Jo's grandmother, Lola Fatima (Dolly de Leon).
The plot sees Jo and Raissa, on the eve of Raissa's departure for college in the U.S., accidentally transported to the mythical island of Nakali after uncovering a magical sand dollar. There, they lose their memories and encounter various creatures from Filipino folklore, including Raww, a were-aspin voiced by Dave Franco, and Batiba, a catlike creature voiced by Jenny Slate. The narrative explores themes of memory, friendship, and cultural heritage, with supporting performances from Manny Jacinto as Bungi the Tiyanak and Kevin McCann as Mermahn.
The film has been praised for its stunning animation, which incorporates diverse styles and vibrant colors to bring both modern Manila and the fantastical world of Nakali to life. Critics particularly highlight the emotional core of the story, the chemistry between H.E.R. and Liza Soberano's characters, and Nathan Matthew David's score, which features Indigenous-inspired elements. While some critics noted a frenetic pace and a slightly disjointed ending, the film is largely seen as a successful and heartwarming cinematic experience that introduces Filipino culture to a broader audience, building on the creative momentum of Crawford and Mercado's previous work on "Puss in Boots: The Last Wish."
