DreamWorks Animation’s latest release, *Forgotten Island*, offers a vibrant exploration of friendship set against the backdrop of Filipino folklore. The animated feature, co-written and co-directed by Joel Crawford and Januel P Mercado, draws viewers into a richly imagined world inspired by Philippine mythology, while telling a universal story about the enduring bonds between best friends.
Set primarily in Manila and a mystical locale known as Nakalimutan—or Nakali for short—the film centers on Jo and Raissa, portrayed by Grammy-winning singer H.E.R. and actress Liza Soberano, respectively. The two childhood friends share a deep connection, vividly illustrated through their shared memories, matching charm bracelets, and a longstanding quest to find a magical portal to Nakali, a supernatural island inhabited by various Aswang, a collective term in Filipino folklore for shape-shifting creatures.
The narrative begins in the 1990s, a deliberate choice by Crawford and Mercado that reflects a pre-digital era when friendships required more tangible effort to maintain. Raissa prepares to leave the Philippines for the California Institute of Technology, while Jo pursues a series of jobs in the local food court. Their plans are complicated when they finally discover the portal key on the eve of Raissa’s departure and find themselves transported to Nakali.
Upon arrival, the trio—Jo, Raissa, and their new companion Raww (voiced by Dave Franco), a were-dog struggling with his shape-shifting abilities—must navigate a bewildering and sometimes perilous landscape. They encounter a range of mythical figures, including Batibali (Jenny Slate), a tree-dwelling demon who offers to restore their lost memories at a steep cost, and Bungi Tiyanak (Manny Jacinto), a towering, three-eyed demon baby. The group also meets Prince Mernahn (Kevin McCann), a merman with quirky characteristics, and faces off against the Duwende, a protective warrior tribe led by King Truffle Wuffe (Ronny Chieng). Their greatest threat is the Manananggal, a winged creature portrayed by Lea Salonga, whose wings Raissa appears to have inadvertently taken.
The film blends multiple animation styles in a visually striking 2D and 3D hybrid aesthetic, borrowing influences from Japanese anime and recent animated hits such as the *Spider-Verse* series. While the briskly paced narrative occasionally struggles to balance its many elements and emotional moments, the story’s heart remains grounded in the genuine friendship between the protagonists.
*Forgotten Island* reflects not only the cultural heritage of its creators but also their personal connections. Crawford’s Filipina wife and Mercado’s Filipino American background informed the film’s setting and themes, while their own longstanding friendship influenced the narrative’s emotional core. By evoking a time before digital distractions dominated social interactions, the film underscores the fragility and resilience of deep friendships.
Overall, *Forgotten Island* invites audiences beyond its Filipino cultural framework to engage with a heartfelt tale about loyalty, adventure, and the magic of friendship.