The wild robot: A musical journey through animation

A new adventure for composer Kris Bowers

DreamWorks Animation’s latest film, The Wild Robot, has left an indelible mark on composer Kris Bowers, who found himself deeply moved by the project in unexpected ways. Directed by Chris Sanders, the film tells the story of Roz, a robot voiced by Lupita Nyong’o, who finds herself stranded on an uninhabited island. From the outset, Sanders emphasized the importance of music in conveying the film’s emotional depth, a challenge Bowers embraced wholeheartedly.

Crafting the emotional landscape

Bowers, who had never scored an animated film before, began working on the project shortly after the birth of his daughter. Over the next two years, he meticulously crafted the score, ensuring it resonated with the film’s themes of family, community, and relationships. The narrative follows Roz as she adapts to her new environment, forming bonds with the island’s animal inhabitants, including a young gosling named Brightbill, voiced by Kit Conner.

Building the main theme

The main theme needed to encapsulate the essence of family and the evolving relationship between Roz and Brightbill. Bowers recalls, “That was the first theme I wrote. I then developed Roz’s theme, which you hear at the beginning and throughout the movie.” The migration scene, a pivotal moment in the film, required a grand musical approach. Initially, Bowers struggled to capture the right emotion until Sanders suggested he imagine dropping his daughter off at college. This perspective shift allowed Bowers to infuse the scene with the poignant emotions of farewell and uncertainty.

Innovative musical techniques

Bowers composed over 80 minutes of music for The Wild Robot, deliberately avoiding instruments tied to specific cultures to create a unique, futuristic sound. He collaborated with Sandbox Percussion, an ensemble known for their inventive use of everyday objects like glass bottles, teacups, and cowbells. This unconventional approach added a distinctive texture to the film’s soundscape, particularly in scenes depicting the wilderness.

Character-specific themes

Each character in the film has a unique musical theme. For Fink, voiced by Pedro Pascal, Bowers crafted a sly, jazzy, bluesy vibe to reflect the character’s mischievous nature. “Just before the rescue mission, there’s a tender version of his theme played with clarinet, soft and understated,” Bowers explains. As the story progresses and Fink’s relationship with Roz evolves, his theme undergoes subtle changes, becoming more wholesome and reflective of his character development.

Personal reflections and emotional depth

The emotional journey of Roz and Brightbill’s friendship deeply resonated with Bowers, prompting reflections on his relationship with his own daughter. This personal connection fueled the emotional intensity of the score. “There was so much in this movie that was so emotional for me at this time in my life,” Bowers shares. He drew parallels between the sacrifices made by Roz and those made by his wife and mother, adding layers of authenticity to the music.

A tale of sacrifice and friendship

Ultimately, Roz’s decision to sacrifice herself to protect her newfound friends underscores the film’s themes of selflessness and community. This poignant moment struck a chord with Bowers, who likened it to the emotional weight of classic animated films like Bambi and The Lion King. “It was important to handle this, not with kid gloves, but to be grounded and seriously emotional with it,” he reflects.

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