Filled with an incredible mix of animation styles and a heartfelt tale about the bonds of friendship, “Forgotten Island” is a fun, compelling adventure that pushes the boundaries of what qualifies for an animated movie rated PG.
Right away, I suggest this movie is for individuals over the age of 10 because, although the overall story is incredible and nuanced, there are jokes, themes, and absolutely frightening Filipino folklore characters not suitable for young children. I saw a few parents leave right after the vampire demon Manang (Lea Salonga) was introduced, and it probably was because the Manang on screen is far more frightening than the Manang in the trailer.
“Forgotten Island” follows two best friends in the late 90s/early 2000s embracing the inevitability that their lives are taking them in different directions after high school. Jo (H.E.R.) is artistically gifted with a comically destructive outgoing personality, but doesn’t see a future beyond working odd jobs in their unnamed hometown in the Philippines. Raissa (Liza Soberano) is shy but scientifically brilliant and has her sights on attending Caltech to further her dreams of working for NASA.
The two met as children over a shared interest of the mythical island of Nakali and fascination over the frightening vampire demon from Filipino folklore, the Manananggal. Over the years, the dynamic duo collects matching charms for their friendship bracelets tied to significant events in their childhood. They enjoy one last night celebrating their favorite pastimes at their beach hangout spot before Raissa leaves for America the next morning. Jo discovers a glowing sand dollar portal key, and the two are transported to Nakali.
The story then becomes like “The Hangover” (2009) for kids 10+ as the girls wake up and find themselves covered in burn marks, seaweed, with random items, and half of Raissa’s hair missing. Their goal is to find their way home as they encounter creatures from Filipino folklore, avoid the terrifying Manananggal named Manang, and face their true feelings about Raissa moving to America.
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The bonds of friendship
One of the most refreshing aspects of “Forgotten Island” is that the story focuses on two female high school best friends without diving into romantic triangles, being torn apart by boys, or any other common tropes typically associated with female best friends.
Although some of their shenanigans get them into deep trouble, their friendship radiates the Proverb, “Iron is sharpened by iron; one person sharpens another” (27:17). The calculated Raissa provides structure for Jo’s creative chaos, and eccentric Jo helps Raissa come out of her shell and be more courageous in her everyday life.
Recognizing this truth, Jo worries about losing her best friend forever and dreads Raissa’s eventual departure to America. The two immediately encounter the lovable but often misguided weredog Raww (Dave Franco), who is loathed by the other inhabitants of Nakali despite his fun-loving nature. Jo fears she will become a “lone wolf” like Raww and begins to sabotage the girls’ return home.
Conversely, Raissa fixates on finding the way home so hard that there is a general fear that she could end up like the heartless vampire demon Manang.
Discovering a key resolution to their growing conflict, the girls learn, “No matter how far apart we are, we will always be together if we remember.” This motto from one of the many colorful groups of creatures they encounter is a driving force for the girls’ reconciliation with each other and finding a way home.
Memories tied to objects
The major thematic question of “Forgotten Island” is whether Jo and Raissa will forget each other as they move into their adult lives. Raww initially brings the girls to the deceptively kind Batiba (Jenny Slate). Batiba, a demon who feeds on memories, proposes an easy exit to Nakali, a portal key for a memory.
Raissa surprises Jo by being quick to give up one of her charms from their matching friendship bracelet, but both the girls and Raww run away when the greedy Batiba will only execute the trade for an entire bracelet with all the charms with memories tied to all of their key moments that built their friendship.
Despite her deception, Batiba utters one profound line that resonates with anyone who holds onto a keepsake: “An object is just an object until it is imbued by the power of a memory.”
It is the memory of an event, period of time, and/or a person that elevates otherwise commonplace items like a special coffee cup, picture, ornament, baby blanket, or any relic of the past. That is why many people keep these items that could seem like random junk to others who do not hold the memory of the object.
It is also a main reason the Catholic Church honors relics of Saints and displays them for public veneration. A practice that can seem odd since many first-class relics involve bones, hair, or other body parts of Saints, relics are important because they are a tangible connection to a person who is alive in Heaven with God.
The relics on display are typically related to what the person was known for in their life. For example, the mandible (the jawbone that forms the chin and lower jawline) of Blessed Fulton Sheen was unveiled during his recent beatification because of his ability to communicate the faith.
If you want an example of how relics inspire cinema, look up the relic of St. Teresa of Avila’s right hand and notice how its reliquary (container) looks almost exactly like the Infinity Gauntlet from the Marvel Cinematic Universe.
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Where the movie succeeded
The animation in “Forgotten Island” is phenomenal. It mixes 3D, 2D, anime, and other styles brilliantly throughout the movie. The animation is reminiscent of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse (2018) and K-Pop Demon Hunters (2025), but feels fresh.
The animation is so good that it is also a reason I recommend the movie for a 10+ crowd. The vampire demon Manang is wonderfully animated, but completely nightmare-inducing. Manang, who is mentioned to have a hobby of murdering people, is also the closest depiction of a Christian understanding of what a demon is as the other “demons” in Nakali are inspired by Filipino folklore.
In addition to the animation, the plot and character arcs of the main cast are compelling, enjoyable, and don’t have many holes to nitpick.
The topic of childhood friends worrying about the future of their friendship as they become adults is a universal story not often covered in movies, and “Forgotten Island” navigates it expertly. To add to the overall wholesome feel of the story, the credits of the movie show photos of the cast and crew with their best friends. It inspired me to text my childhood best friend as well.
Where the movie fell short
“Forgotten Island” was so close to becoming one of my favorite animated movies of all time, but fell short because it took the easy way out with some low-hanging juvenile humor. It was disappointing because the comedy was generally balanced with the drama. There is even a moment that landed well where a picture of Jesus displaying a disappointed face is shown after several members of Raissa’s graduation party look disappointed at Jo setting the food on fire.
However, the many references to people’s backsides, including Jo singing parts of “Baby Got Back” by Sir Mix-a-Lot, slowed the movie down. The creators also pushed the bounds of PG by having many replacement words for curses that many parents do not want their youngest children to repeat.
Final Thoughts
“Forgotten Island” is a good reminder that not all animated movies are made for the whole family. It is not a bad thing, but it is one area where I wish studios would do a better job at marketing.
Nevertheless, “Forgotten Island” is a heartwarming tale of love, adventure, and friendship and could be a great time at the movies for families with older children, high school friends, or adult best friends looking to make a new memory.
