Forgotten Island Review

DreamWorks Animation's Forgotten Island is set to premiere on September 25. Following the success of their 2022 hit, Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado have reunited for this captivating tale. The story, written by the duo, revolves around high school best friends Jo and Raissa, voiced by H.E.R. and Liza Soberano.

Raissa is about to leave the Philippines for Caltech, and on the eve of her departure, she and Jo are mysteriously transported to Nakali, a magical realm filled with Filipino folklore creatures. The film skillfully blends fantasy and personal storytelling, beginning with Jo and Raissa's deep friendship, which starts as children and evolves through shared interests in the strange and supernatural.

With clever humor and relatable characters, Forgotten Island successfully captures the essence of finding one's kindred spirit and the significance of the memories we share with loved ones. The film features a diverse array of fantastical creatures such as weredog Raww, baby-like Bungi, memory-collecting Batiba, aquatic Mermahn, and fearsome Manananggal.

Crawford and Mercado are unafraid to create genuinely unsettling villains, with Manang being a prime example. The movie expertly combines humor, action, and cultural representation to create a memorable and engaging experience for audiences of all ages.