Ron's Gone Wrong (2021)
Film details
Animation · Science Fiction · Family · Comedy · Sarah Smith · 1h 47min
Synopsis
In a world where walking, talking, digitally connected bots have become children's best friends, an 11-year-old finds that his robot buddy doesn't quite work the same as the others do.
Verdict
Technological fable that celebrates authentic friendship over superficial digital connections.
In-depth analysis
Ron's Gone Wrong intelligently poses an urgent question: what does friendship mean in the digital age? The film constructs a world where B*Bot robots function as portable social networks promising instant connection and algorithmic popularity. Barney, the only child without a device, becomes a metaphor for modern isolation. When he finally receives Ron, a damaged robot that malfunctions, he discovers something paradoxical: imperfection opens the door to genuine friendship. Ron cannot execute pre-programmed social protocols, so he must learn what it means to be a friend organically, errors and all. The script avoids heavy-handed moralizing and relies on humor and adventure to convey its message.
Barney's family (a widowed father, a loving Bulgarian grandmother) is shown to be functional and present. The film values loyalty, effort, and courage without succumbing to postmodern cynicism. The critique of large tech corporations is refreshing and necessary. For parents, it is a golden opportunity to converse about the healthy use of technology and the value of real connections. A safe and edifying choice for the entire family.