DreamWorks' 'Forgotten Island' Blends Filipino Folklore with High-Stakes Friendship

Key points

• The film is directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, who previously collaborated on 'Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.'
• The story centers on Jo and Raissa, two friends in 1990s Manila whose bond is tested when Raissa prepares to leave for Caltech.
• The narrative involves a journey to the mythical island of Nakali, where the protagonists must navigate Filipino folklore creatures like the Manang and Batiba.
• The voice cast includes H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Dave Franco, Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, and Lea Salonga.
• Critics describe the film as visually dazzling but potentially too fast-paced and crowded, though the emotional core of the friendship holds the story together.
• The film is rated PG, runs 1 hour and 47 minutes, and is distributed by Universal Pictures.

Background

DreamWorks Animation has recently established a reputation for emotionally complex narratives, following the success of 'The Wild Robot' and 'Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.' 'Forgotten Island' continues this trend by focusing on themes of memory and chosen family. The film marks a significant step for the studio in incorporating specific cultural folklore, specifically Filipino mythology, into a mainstream animated feature, a move highlighted by critics as a rare and valuable addition to Hollywood storytelling.

How outlets are covering it

Critics generally agree that 'Forgotten Island' is a visually impressive and emotionally resonant film, though they differ on its pacing. IndieWire's David Ehrlich describes the movie as 'exhaustingly hyper-frenetic' and 'overstuffed,' noting that the rapid-fire jokes and pop culture references (including a nod to the Will Smith/Chris Rock incident and footage from 'Predator') can distract from the plot. However, he praises the 'lucid and affecting' first act and the strong bond between the leads. The Hollywood Reporter's Frank Scheck calls the film 'dazzling' and a 'rare example of original animated storytelling,' acknowledging that while the story is convoluted, the wit and visual invention make it easy to get swept up. The Film Maven's Kristen Lopez gives the film a B+, calling it a 'home run' that successfully mirrors the emotional depth of 'The Last Wish,' though she notes it may feel repetitive to fans of that earlier film. All sources highlight the strong voice performances, particularly H.E.R. and Dave Franco, as anchors for the chaotic narrative.

Why it matters

'Forgotten Island' represents a notable shift in mainstream animation toward incorporating specific, non-Western cultural folklore with depth and respect. By centering the story on Filipino mythology and featuring a predominantly Filipino voice cast, the film addresses a long-standing gap in Hollywood storytelling. Its success could signal a broader trend in the industry toward original, culturally specific narratives that move away from the dominance of IP-driven sequels and franchises.

What to watch

The film is scheduled for a wide theatrical release on Friday, September 25, 2026. Following its release, it will likely compete in the awards season for Best Animated Feature, building on the momentum from DreamWorks' previous critically acclaimed releases. Industry observers will watch to see if the film's box office performance validates the studio's continued focus on emotionally complex, original stories over franchise continuations.