DreamWorks Animation is preparing to release Forgotten Island, a fantasy feature focusing on the bond between two friends, Jo and Raissa. The film blends elements of Philippine mythology with a visual style inspired by Studio Ghibli and is scheduled to stream on October 27, 2026.
Jo and Raissa’s journey to the island of Nakali
The narrative of Forgotten Island centers on best friends Jo and Raissa during their final night together before they separate. While attending a party on the island of Nakali, the pair is transported through a mysterious portal into a mystical realm. According to the report, this world is populated by creatures rooted in Philippine mythology, forcing the protagonists into a race against time to prevent their shared memories from dissolving.
DreamWorks Animation has set a multi-stage release strategy for the project. The film will first arrive on digital platforms on October 27, 2026, followed by a physical home-video rollout on December 1, which will inclue 4K UHD, Blu-ray, and DVD formats.
Richard Januel’s departure from the DreamWorks house style
Director Richard Januel has steered Forgotten Island away from the studio's typical aesthetic in favor of a more fluid animation palette . As the studio's press release noted, the visual language of the film is designed to shift based on the emotional state and memories of Jo and Raissa, creating a more intimate viewer experience. this move signals a broader trend within DreamWorks to embrace visual diversity, echoing the stylistic evolution seen in previous works like The Prince of Egypt and the whimsical approach of Puss in Boots: The Last Wish.
By moving away from the formulaic look of mainstream anthropomorphic comedies, DreamWorks Animation is attempting to align itself with a tradition of thoughtful, storytelling-driven animation. This shift suggests the studio is increasingly willing to prioritize artistic experimentation over a standardized "house style" to better serve the specific emotional needs of a script.
Edgar Wright’s rhythmic editing and the 'Don't Stop Believin' sequence
The technical execution of Forgotten Island draws heavily from non-traditional animation influences. Richard Januel cited the rhythmic editing style of director Edgar Wright and the contemporary film Blindspotting as key inspirations for the movie's pacing. This is most evident in the film's party scenes, where the editing is intentionally fast to mirror the energy of youth, contrasted with slower, more reflective tempos during moments of introspection.
The auditory experience is equally curated to drive the narrative momentum.. The report mentions an opening sequence set to the song "Don't Stop Believin'" to establish a dance-like energy, while a dedicated original track titled "A Parallel World" is used to underscore the bittersweet nature of the protagonists' adventure.
The integration of Philippine mythology and the missing voice of critics
By weaving Southeast Asian folklore into the visual and narrative fabric of the film, DreamWorks Animation provides Forgotten Island with an authentic cultural backbone. The production team has emphasized that while the setting is specific to Filipino culture, the core themes of friendship and the fleeting nature of time are intended to be universal.
However, several details regarding the film's reception remain vague. While the source mentions that "reviewers have lauded" the film and audiences are reacting positively, it does not name a single specific critic, publication, or screening group. Because the current information stems largely from a studio press release, it remains unclear whether these positive reactions come from internal test screenings or independent press previews.
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