In Forgotten Island, best friends Jo and Raissa are graduating high school in the Philippines. Their friendship threatens to unravel when Raissa decides to go to CALTECH for college. During their last night out a mysterious portal opens, transporting them both to Nakali, the Forgotten Island. They'll have to find a way back to the mortal realm if Raissa is going to make it on time to her flight to California.
Forgotten Island is over-flowing with stunning, unique, wildly creative, and highly stylistic visuals. Literally one of the most gorgeous films you’ll see this year. This is one film that was tailor made for 3-D and when viewed in this format, the results do not disappoint. Our leads are a lot of fun to spend time with. H.E.R voices Jo and Liza Soberano voices Raissa, our BFFs and protagonists. They have fantastic chemistry and are believable as life-long buddies.
Dave Franco voices Raww, a were-aspin (or were-dog) whom is hated pretty much all across the titular island due to his antics. Manny Jacinto voices Bungi, a Tiyanak (a mythical big baby demon) who befriends our leads. Kevin McCann voices Prince Mermahn, a hot Kataw (a Merman) whom has some issues with telling the truth. There’s also Jenny Slate as Batiba, a Batibat (another demon) who offers to help our friends but for a steep price. As for villains, Lea Salonga voices Manang, a terrifying Manananggal (a winged demon) who is on the hunt for Jo and Raissa after they stole her wings.
There isn’t a whole lot of plot as the majority of the film follows our leads as they traverse the island in search of a magical sand dollar that will transport them back home. The first act sets up the story concerning two friends who might be growing apart, the second act detours into an action-adventure-fantasy, and the third act returns to the story and brings it all home. The last act low-key turns into Eternal Sunshine of the Spotless Mind (a welcome and delightful surprise). Forgotten Island introduces mass audiences to the rich and colorful folklore and culture of the Philippines. There are also strong messages involving the power and importance of memories and friendship.
Joel Crawford and Januel P. Mercado, the directors of the phenomenal Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, are in the director’s seats for Forgotten Island. On full display is their charming ADHD brand of humor, innovative and eclectic style, and strong beating heart at the core of it all. They’ve crafted another winner. Forgotten Island is absolutely another one of the best films of 2026.
4.5 STARS
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