DreamWorks' latest animated adventure, Forgotten Island, is making waves for its vibrant storytelling and, more importantly, its heartfelt celebration of Filipino culture. The film follows best friends Jo (H.E.R.) and Raissa (Liza Soberano) as they stumble upon the mythical island of Nakali, a place from their childhood dreams. But the longer they stay, the more they risk losing their memories of each other. It's a high-stakes, visually stunning journey that's already being praised for its authenticity.
In a recent conversation with Collider, the film's leads sat down to discuss the movie's deeper themes and the cultural touchstones that make it so special. For Soberano, the film's power lies in its ability to transport audiences back to their own cherished friendships. "It's nice to have a movie where it's literally just inviting people to come and experience the culture and the dynamics of the relationships for themselves," she said, noting that viewers often tell her the film reminds them of their own best friends.
H.E.R. echoed that sentiment, emphasizing the importance of showcasing strong, brave female characters. "It's so important to see women empowering each other," she said. "I'm just so happy to see an original story about two women going on an adventure together. It's important for young women to see bravery." The singer also shared a nugget from a therapist friend: "The thing that bothers you the most about your best friend is the thing you think you lack." It's a dynamic that plays out beautifully between Jo and Raissa, who balance each other out despite their differences.
The conversation took a heartfelt turn when the duo reflected on their trip to the Philippines to promote the film. Soberano recalled how many Filipinos told her the movie made them feel proud of their heritage. "When you're in the culture, it's hard to embrace and find beauty in your own culture because you're living it every day," she explained. "This film did a great job of highlighting all the beautiful aspects of our culture that sometimes we may tend to forget." She added that the filmmakers "gave the Filipino people their flowers," making them feel seen and special.
For H.E.R., the trip was equally memorable. "Us being in the Philippines was such an important moment," she said. "It took a lot for us to get there, and we're so appreciative that we could go back and celebrate the movie with the inspiration for the movie." The film is packed with authentic details, from the religious iconography on the wall to the ubiquitous petroleum jelly and the iconic lip-pointing gesture. Even the food gets a shout-out, with H.E.R. mentioning the traditional delicacy baye baye.
Beyond the cultural specifics, Forgotten Island is a story about memory and the bonds that hold us together. The film's tagline, "We'll always be together if we remember," resonates deeply. Soberano hopes to hold onto the memory of making people feel seen. "I want to hold onto that memory forever," she said.
The film also features an original song by H.E.R. and Ryan Tedder, which H.E.R. described as "a nod to that era." The movie, directed by the team behind Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, boasts a voice cast that includes Dave Franco and Jenny Slate. For those looking for more animated adventures, check out our list of forgotten video games that aged like fine wine, or dive into this forgotten fantasy series now free on Tubi.
As Forgotten Island continues to charm audiences, it's clear that its message of friendship and cultural pride is resonating far beyond the screen. For H.E.R. and Soberano, the film is more than just a project—it's a love letter to the Philippines and to the power of remembering what truly matters.
