What begins as a Filipino-inspired fantasy adventure becomes something much more heartfelt in Forgotten Island. Deeply rooted in friendship, the film finds an emotional and relatable core that drives its entire narrative. Even better, this is an animated film that feels genuinely unique, from its visual style to its characters, and fantastical creatures. We expected to be entertained, and the film delivers on that front. What we didn't expect, however, was just how much heart it would have.
Set in the Philippines during the 1990s, Forgotten Island follows best friends Jo (voiced by H.E.R.) and Raissa (voiced by Liza Soberano), who have been inseparable since they were little. But after high school graduation, Raissa is set to move to the United States for college. On the last day before her flight, the two decide to spend one final adventure together. However they encounter a mysterious portal and are suddenly transported into the fantastical world of Nakali. With Raissa's flight fast approaching, the two must find their way home before it's too late.
As Filipinos, the first thing we noticed is how well the film captures the little things that make Filipino culture special. The karaoke sessions, the food, the celebrations, and even the importance of family all feel familiar and well-represented on-screen. At the same time, some of the fantastical elements feel completely fresh and new. It's particularly fun to see the scary mythical creatures we grew up hearing about from Filipino folklore transformed into cute and likable versions of themselves. We found ourselves hooked by the world of Nakali. Directors Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado manage to spin a story that feels fresh, even if some of its developments can be predictable and too fast-paced. At the center of it all is the friendship between Jo and Raissa, and the film steadily builds toward a climactic moment that is genuinely moving. There's also a surprising nod to The Hangover that completely caught us off guard but added another layer of fun to an already entertaining experience.
Another element that stood out for us is the animation. Forgotten Island doesn't simply follow the typical animated-film formula, instead incorporating different visual styles that give its sequences a distinct look and ramp up the novelty factor. The soundtrack is another highlight, particularly for Filipino audiences familiar with the songs and their cultural significance. Some of these choices may not carry quite the same weight for international audiences though.
If there's one weak link in the film, it's the antagonists. They're not nearly as well-developed as the main characters and some of their motivations and character arcs feel undercooked. Fortunately, the strength of Jo and Raissa's friendship, along with the film's imaginative world and visual style, more than makes up for it for this issue. Overall, Forgotten Island is a fun trip whether you're Filipino or not. Its Filipino roots give it a distinct identity but its story about friendship is universal. More than anything, it's a reminder of why the friendships we've carried with us for years are worth holding on to even when life is about to take us in completely different directions.
Forgotten Island (2026) Movie Review: Tayo Na
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