Forgotten Island trailer drops: 2 best friends face heartbreaking memory loss

DreamWorks Animation is turning its focus to friendship once again with Forgotten Island, a new original film that blends fantasy, emotion and coming-of-age storytelling. Known for crafting memorable relationships across films like How to Train Your Dragon and Shrek, the studio now explores what happens when a lifelong bond is at risk of being erased entirely.

At the center of the story are Jo and Raissa, two best friends who have grown up side by side and are now facing a turning point in their lives. As they prepare to move in different directions after graduation, their final night together takes an unexpected turn. What begins as a celebration quickly transforms into a life-altering journey when they are pulled into a mysterious portal.

The portal leads them to Nakali, a magical island shaped by myths and folklore tied to their Filipino heritage. What initially feels like an adventure soon reveals deeper stakes as the girls realize the island holds a dangerous secret tied directly to their memories.

A dangerous island with a hidden cost

Nakali is far from an ordinary destination. Filled with creatures drawn from legend, the island introduces both allies and threats as Jo and Raissa try to understand how they arrived and how to return home. As they explore, they discover that the longer they remain on the island, the more their memories begin to fade.

The realization raises the emotional stakes of their journey. Their shared past, which has defined their friendship for years, is now at risk. Even the bond that once felt unbreakable begins to weaken as the island slowly takes hold.

As time runs out, Jo and Raissa must confront not only the dangers around them but also the possibility of losing each other in the most irreversible way. Their mission becomes clear as they search for a way back before their connection disappears completely.

Reasons the story stands out

A friendship at the center of the adventure
Unlike many animated fantasy stories that focus heavily on action, Forgotten Island places emotional connection at the forefront. The relationship between Jo and Raissa drives the narrative, giving the story a grounded and relatable core. Their shared history, combined with the uncertainty of their future, adds depth to every decision they make on the island.

Cultural mythology meets modern storytelling
The film draws inspiration from Filipino folklore, weaving traditional elements into a modern animated setting. The island’s creatures and landscapes reflect stories passed down through generations, offering a rich backdrop that feels both personal and expansive. This blend of culture and fantasy adds a distinct identity to the film while introducing audiences to new mythological influences.

A creative team behind the story

The film is directed by Joel Crawford and Januel Mercado, with production led by Mark Swift. The team previously worked together on Puss in Boots: The Last Wish, bringing experience in balancing visual spectacle with character-driven storytelling.

The voice cast features a mix of established and rising talent. H.E.R. and Liza Soberano lead the film as Jo and Raissa, bringing emotional depth to the central friendship. They are joined by Dave Franco as a comedic weredog companion and Lea Salonga as the film’s primary antagonist, a feared creature known as the Manananggal.

Additional cast members include Jenny Slate, Manny Jacinto, Dolly de Leon, Jo Koy and Ronny Chieng, each contributing to the world of Nakali through a range of characters that support or challenge the protagonists along their journey.

A race against time and memory

As Jo and Raissa continue their search for a way home, the film builds toward a race against time. Each moment spent on the island brings them closer to forgetting not just their experiences, but the foundation of their friendship.

The story ultimately explores how memories shape identity and relationships, asking what remains when those memories begin to fade. Through its mix of fantasy and emotional stakes, Forgotten Island presents a narrative that reflects the challenges of growing up and facing change.