‘Forgotten Island’ movie review: Folklore and friendship power a visually dazzling adventure

There are so many people and creatures vying for the top spot in the cuteness sweepstakes in Forgotten Island, the latest animation feature written and directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado. There is the sweetest little three-eyed baby demon, Bungi (Manny Jacinto), who is terrified of getting pink eye.

There is also the confused Raww (Dave Franco) a were-wolf/dog. Batiba (Jenny Slate) the memory demon is quite cuddly too as is Truffle Wuffle (Ronny Chieng) the king of the Duwende people, who is full of dignity and beyond adorable as well. Even the evil, terrifying Manang (Lea Salonga) has a tender backstory. And Prince Mermahn (Kevin McCann), while being just that little bit silly is rather handsome too.

The two friends at the centre of the story, the rambunctious Jo (H.E.R.) and the genius Raissa (Liza Soberano) are charming. The movie opens in 1990s Philippines where a young Jo describes the fabulous island of Nakali where all manner of beasts roam.

She is sent to the principal’s office for attacking a classmate who made fun of her stories. Jo meets Raissa, who defended her, at the principal’s office and the two girls become friends over charm bracelets, mixed tapes, and Arnold Schwarzenegger films at Jo’s beloved grandmother, Lola’s (Dolly de Leon) house.

Years go by and after Lola’s passing, Jo is at a loose end going from one pointless job to another while Raissa gets admission to Caltech. Though Raissa’s mother is disapproving of the girls’ friendship, feeling Jo will only drag Raissa down, the night before Raissa is to fly out, the girls finally find the portal to Nakali and have a mind-blowing adventure.

A still from ‘Forgotten Island’
| Photo Credit:
DreamWorks

Forgotten Island with its retro animation inspired by Filipino folk art and the graphic style of the ‘90s with eye-popping colours, makes you feel as though you are on a sugar rush after a triple shot of espresso. The emphasis on memory and remembering is heart-warming as are the Polaroid pictures and other physical tokens of memories.

Batiba, who is scared of stepping outside, and lives her life vicariously through the “all you-can-eat buffet of memories” is a poignant creation. And then there is the warmth of friendship between two disparate people who need each other to become whole.

While the film might sometimes feel overstuffed, it does not do so to the point of becoming wearisome. The voice cast is warm and inviting and the bright pops of colour grab the eye and keep it. All the weird and wonderful creatures from Filipino folklore lend an endearing freshness to the film, while Jo and Raissa’s friendship and shared adventures give the story a solid emotional core.

Forgotten Island is currently running in theatres