Directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, Forgotten Island is DreamWorks Animation’s latest family adventure hitting screens September 25th, 2026. Co-written by Crawford and Mercado, this vibrant animated film features Grammy-winning artist H.E.R. in a voice role that brings warmth and charm to a story designed to captivate audiences of all ages. With the creative team behind DreamWorks’ recent successes at the helm, Forgotten Island promises to be a feel-good adventure that celebrates courage, friendship, and discovery. H.E.R. brings genuine warmth to Jo, infusing the character with both vulnerability and quiet strength. Her performance never feels like a celebrity cameo—instead, she embodies Jo’s journey from uncertain to confident with natural grace. The chemistry between H.E.R., Soberano, and Franco crackles, making their trio feel like real friends rather than script-bound characters. For a first major voice role, H.E.R. proves she has the chops for animated storytelling.
When Jo (voiced by H.E.R.) and her best friend Raissa (voiced by Liza Soberano) stumble onto a hidden tropical island, they uncover far more than a vacation spot—they discover a place where forgotten dreams come to life. The island’s vibrant ecosystem and mysterious inhabitants draw them deeper into an adventure neither expected. Along the way, they meet Raww (voiced by Dave Franco), a charming outsider who joins their quest and becomes the third pillar of their unlikely friendship. The pacing keeps younger viewers engaged while layering in enough emotional depth for parents to appreciate. Beyond the adventure, Forgotten Island quietly explores themes of self-acceptance and the courage it takes to be yourself. Jo’s arc—learning to trust her instincts and embrace what makes her different—resonates without preaching. The film celebrates friendship as a source of strength, showing kids that the people we choose to stand beside matter more than fitting into someone else’s mold. These messages land naturally within the story rather than feeling forced.
Forgotten Island earns its all-ages appeal. There’s no crude humor, no dark moments that will unsettle younger viewers, and the action sequences are thrilling without being violent. The emotional beats—particularly around loyalty and loss—might touch kids aged 6 and up, but the overall tone remains uplifting. Parents can feel confident bringing children from age 5 through early teens; everyone will find something to enjoy. The film’s emotional core is anchored by “BRB,” a duet performed by H.E.R. and Liza Soberano that plays during a pivotal moment in the story. Both artists—both Filipino—bring authenticity and warmth to the track, and it’s impossible not to feel the pride in their voices. The song perfectly captures the bond between Jo and Raissa, adding a layer of cultural resonance that elevates the entire film. For Filipino audiences, hearing their own voices and heritage celebrated in a major animated release isn’t just entertainment—it’s representation that matters.
Forgotten Island is exactly what family entertainment should be: fun, heartfelt, and genuinely well-made. It doesn’t rely on tired tropes or condescend to its audience. H.E.R.’s voice work, combined with sharp writing and animation that brings the island to vivid life, makes this a rare animated film that works for the whole family. What’s particularly meaningful is how the film’s celebration of Philippine culture resonates with audiences. With Liza Soberano’s presence and the authentic portrayal of island life and values on screen, Filipino audiences have embraced Forgotten Island as their own—a rare moment when Hollywood animation reflects their world with respect and warmth. For Filipino families especially, seeing their culture represented in a major animated release has brought communities together in theaters and sparked genuine excitement.
I rate this movie (3.5/4) 🍿
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