The Nostalgia Hook: 1990s Philippines
The movie kicks off in the 1990s Philippines, nailing the exact vibe of our childhoods—the colors, the music, and that specific warmth of long summer nights. We follow two childhood best friends: Jo (voiced by the incredible H.E.R.) and Raissa (voiced by Liza Soberano). Raissa is about to leave the country to study at Caltech in America.
For anyone who grew up in the Philippines, this hits extremely close to home. We all know the painful reality of the paalam (goodbye)—whether it’s a friend, a cousin, or a parent leaving for the States or working abroad. The film captures that heavy, pre-departure anxiety perfectly.
Welcome to Nakali: Where Memories Fade
On their last night together, Jo and Raissa stumble through a portal and find themselves trapped on Nakali, a surreal, supernatural island where their memories slowly begin to fade. The catch? The only way to escape this mystical world is to sacrifice all memories of each other.
The stakes are beautifully high, and the world-building is where the animation truly shines. DreamWorks adopts a trippy, stylized aesthetic that feels like a cross between Puss in Boots: The Last Wish and a vibrant, neon 90s comic book.
What I Loved:
Flawless Voice Acting: Liza Soberano and H.E.R. have incredible emotional chemistry. Dolly de Leon as the grandmother is a scene-stealer.
The Folklore Representation: Seeing creatures like the weredog Raww (Dave Franco) and a genuinely terrifying Manananggal (voiced by Lea Salonga!) felt like our childhood bedtime stories brought to life.
What Missed the Mark:
Convoluted Mythology: The rules of Nakali get a bit tangled and rushed in the second act.
Predictable Climax: The final resolution follows a fairly standard, safe Hollywood animated structure.
A True Culturally Grounded Experience
What makes Forgotten Island stand out from typical Hollywood representation is how natural the cultural elements feel. It doesn’t pause to give the audience an awkward Wikipedia explanation of a Manananggal or why the characters act the way they do. Instead, it trusts the audience.
Lea Salonga’s character as the villain gives absolute chills—it’s brilliant, scary, and a completely fresh take on a classic mythological figure. Yet, despite how hyper-local the folklore is, the core theme of fearing abandonment and wrestling with the grief of growing apart is entirely universal
The Verdict: Bring the Tissues
Forgotten Island is easily one of the best animated films of the year. It is funny, chaotic, and deeply respectful of its roots. By the time the third act rolled around, the theater was filled with audible sniffling. It forces you to look at your own past, the friends you’ve left behind, and the memories that shape who you are.
Whether you’re Filipino or just someone who loves a deeply emotional, visually spectacular story, do not miss this on the big screen.
🎬 Movie: Forgotten Island (2026)
⭐ Rating: 4.5 / 5 Stars
🎨 Studio: DreamWorks Animation
🎤 Star Power: H.E.R., Liza Soberano, Dolly de Leon, Lea Salonga
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