Forgotten Island is a colorful animated adventure from DreamWorks Animation that combines Filipino folklore with a story about friendship, memory and growing apart. Directed and written by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, the film follows lifelong friends Jo, voiced by H.E.R., and Raissa, voiced by Liza Soberano.
The story begins when Raissa prepares to leave the Philippines to study abroad. During their final night together, the two friends discover a mysterious portal that transports them to Nakali, a fantastical island filled with creatures drawn from Filipino mythology.
Their adventure soon becomes complicated when they realise that their memories are disappearing. The friends must find their way home while confronting the possibility that they could eventually forget the bond they have shared since childhood.
The film features a wide range of folklore-inspired characters, including the Manananggal, a legendary creature capable of separating its body, along with demons and other mythical beings. Lea Salonga voices Manang, while Dave Franco, Jenny Slate and Manny Jacinto are among the other voice cast members.
Visually, Forgotten Island embraces bright colours, energetic action and varied animation styles. Several reviews have highlighted its elaborate visual design, while some have noted that the film's fast pace and abundance of ideas can make the adventure feel crowded.
At its core, the film remains a story about two friends confronting change and trying to preserve the memories that connect them.
