FORGOTTEN ISLAND (2026) Review
Directed by Januel Mercado, Joel Crawford
The beautifully animated streets of the Philippines, the vibrant representation of local culture, and a deeply moving story about friendship and memory—DreamWorks Animation’s Forgotten Island captures sentimentality and high-energy entertainment in the best way possible.
Beyond its rich cultural backdrop, Forgotten Island excels as a fantastic adventure film exploring how memories shape our identity and define our relationships. Admittedly, the narrative pacing stumbles a bit in the first act as it sets up the world. However, as you stick through Jo’s emotional journey, it becomes clear that the film is actively trying to create a lasting memory with the audience itself.
On a personal level, the film hit hard early on. The very first montage had me in tears simply seeing the bustling streets, familiar neighborhood sari-sari stores, and local barangays of the Philippines rendered so lovingly in high-end animation. It felt like stepping back into my own childhood memories of the neighborhood where I grew up.
There are a few minor cultural hiccups that might pull local viewers out of the experience momentarily—such as slight mispronunciations of names and terms (like Bungi, which I know as a Filipino should be boongee). But these remain tiny blurs on a otherwise gorgeous canvas.
What truly elevates the film is its deep emotional core. The narrative pays a sentimental tribute to our elders. While I might not share Jo’s exact background, watching her bond with her grandmother instantly evoked that universal, tender connection between a lola and her apo. Above all, the film beautifully captures how uniquely special our memories are, and how deeply we cherish bonds with friends who inevitably become our chosen family.
Forgotten Island leaves you with a heartwarming message about love, legacy, and friendship, balancing its emotional weight with a vibrant, fun-filled adventure that audiences of all ages will treasure.
4 OUT OF 5 STARS
Forgotten Island is now showing in cinemas nationwide from Universal Pictures Philippines, also available in ScreenX and 3D/4Dx. Rated PG by the MTRCB.
Special thanks to Robinsons Movieworld for the advance screening invites.