DreamWorks' New Original Fantasy Is Officially One of Its Best-Reviewed Movies

One of the most highly anticipated animated features has officially wowed critics just days before its U.S. debut. The movie premiered at this year's CinemaCon and has already opened in other regions, including Australia. Now, as North America anticipates its release, critics have weighed in on DreamWorks' latest family fantasy film, which showcases Filipino culture and offers a wholly original new world in the age of sequels and recycled IP.

Forgotten Island is the latest DreamWorks animated movie, directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, who previously directed Puss in Boots: The Last Wish. The feature tells an original story about two best friends, Jo (H.E.R.) and Raissa (Liza Soberano), who find themselves on the mysterious island of Nakali, also known as Forgotten Island, and must find their way back home as the memories of their friendship are at risk. Also starring in this feature are Dave Franco (Hoppers), Manny Jacinto (The Good Place), Ronny Chieng (Avatar Aang: The Last Airbender), Dolly De Leon (Netflix's Live Action Avatar: The Last Airbender Season 2), and recent Hollywood Walk of Fame recipient and Tony Award winner Lea Salonga.

One reason people have been excited for Forgotten Island was that it's an original story inspired by Philippine mythology and culture. Now that reviews are in, critics have spoken: Forgotten Island is a perfect movie, debuting with a 100% score on Rotten Tomatoes. Critics described Forgotten Island as "dazzling" and said the filmmakers raised the bar with their storytelling. Those who've seen the film also enjoyed immersing themselves in the culture shown in the feature and said the story of friendship was memorable. While the official audience score has yet to come out, people on Letterboxd have given Forgotten Island a 3.4-star rating, describing it as a mashup of The Hangover and Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind, with a family-friendly Filipino twist.

What Is 'Forgotten Island' About?

Forgotten Island follows Jo and Raissa, two best friends from the Philippines who are fascinated by stories about Forgotten Island and one of its most feared creatures, the Dreaded Manananggal (voiced by Salonga). One day, Jo learns that Raissa is moving to the United States for university. On their final night together, a portal to Forgotten Island opens, but when the girls wake up, they have no memory of the night they arrived. With only hours left before Raissa's flight, the two begin retracing their steps with the help of their new friends while avoiding the Manananggal, who's chasing them across the island.