DreamWorks’ newest animated feature, Forgotten Island, deserves immediate credit simply for bringing an entirely original story to a studio landscape that so often leans on familiar properties. The film is helmed by writer-directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, who previously demonstrated with 2022’s Puss In Boots: The Last Wish that they know how to breathe fresh life into established franchises rather than simply checking off audience expectations.
While broad appeal is always the goal, this particular project will likely resonate most strongly with teenage girls. At its core is the unbreakable bond between two childhood best friends from the Philippines who have been inseparable since grade school, cementing their history with matching charm bracelets. Now standing at a crossroads where adulthood threatens to push them in opposite directions, they prepare to embark on one final adventure together. The twist? They might not even remember it by the time it’s over. This premise is introduced through the dynamic pairing of Jo—a spirited, eccentric free spirit—and Raissa, a more grounded, scientifically minded dreamer.
Growing up in Manila, the pair were raised on fantastical tales told by their beloved elder Lola (voiced by Dolly DeLeon), stories that Jo eagerly shared with her classmates. The narrative soon fast-forwards to the end of high school, finding Jo (voiced by singer H.E.R.) and Raissa (Liza Soberano) facing a bittersweet parting of ways. Raissa has been accepted to Caltech in the U.S., while Jo remains behind, stuck working a dead-end job at a fast-food joint. Determined to make their final night together unforgettable, they stumble across a magical beach portal that transports them straight to Nakali, the very “Forgotten Island” of their childhood legends.
Before they can process how they arrived in a realm born entirely of their own imaginations, the duo are plunged headfirst into a surreal journey exploring the deep value of memory. Sporting whimsical physical transformations—Raissa now boasts a pair of wings and a half-shaved head—they tumble down a rabbit hole reminiscent of classic literary heroines like Alice or Dorothy, though with a distinctly unique flavor. Along the way, they encounter a parade of eccentric inhabitants. First up is Raww (voiced with comedic flair by Dave Franco), a self-proclaimed weredog who insists he spent the last half-day with them. Constantly shifting between human and canine forms (though mostly the latter), Raww acts as their self-appointed guide, though he faces competition from Bungi (Manny Jacinto), a giant, one-eyed blue baby who remains literally attached to his mother. They also cross paths with Batiba (brilliantly voiced by Jenny Slate), a severe agoraphobic living in a cave surrounded by trinkets stolen from the memories of others—treasures she hoards because she is far too terrified to venture out into the real world. She offers to help the girls return home, but only in exchange for their own memories.
As their quest continues, the friends encounter Daju (Jo Koy), the leader of a tree brigade; King Truffle Wuffle (Ronny Chieng), who rules over his own tiny domain; and the impossibly vain, slick Prince Mermahn (Kevin McCann). True to the formula of children’s animation, the story also features a formidable villain: The Dreaded Manananggal (Lea Solonga), a wicked entity capable of cleanly splitting herself in half alongside other terrifying supernatural tricks. She functions as the ultimate evil queen of the tale, though the script eventually uncovers the sympathetic roots behind her malicious nature.
Navigating these obstacles is essential if Jo and Raissa hope to find their way back home. Crawford and Mercado infuse the project—particularly Mercado’s distinct Filipino cultural touches—with a breakneck visual energy, perhaps operating under the assumption that modern younger audiences require constant stimulation. Especially in its first half, the movie moves at a whirlwind pace, utilizing gorgeously shifting animation styles and a vibrant color palette that rarely pauses for breath. Fortunately, the second half dials back the sensory overload, allowing emotional stakes to take center stage as the girls’ genuine hopes and fears come into focus. The underlying message about safeguarding and cherishing our memories lands clearly, leading to a satisfying conclusion backed by an eclectic, lively soundtrack featuring original music by H.E.R.
Will this animated feature stick in my personal memory banks forever? Probably not. But its intended younger demographic will likely walk away retaining plenty of striking visuals and valuable life lessons regarding the true worth of friendship.
The DreamWorks Animation feature is produced by Mark Swift.
Title: Forgotten Island
Distributor: Universal
Release Date: September 25, 2026
Director/ Screenwriters: Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado
Cast: H.E.R., Dave Franco, Liza Soberano, Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly DeLeon, Jo Koy, Ronny Chieng, Kevin McCann, Lea Solanga
Rating: PG
Running Time: 1 hr 47 mins