What Is Forgotten Island About?
The premise of Forgotten Island in 282 words, with nothing given away. The full story follows below.
Jo and Raissa have been inseparable since childhood, bonded over fantastical stories about a mythical island called Nakali and the magical creatures said to inhabit it. Jo, an imaginative dreamer raised on her grandmother’s tales of Filipino folklore, found in Raissa the one friend willing to stand beside her — even when the world around them refused to believe. Years later, on the eve of their separation as Raissa prepares to leave for college abroad, the two friends sneak away for one last night together by the beach, revisiting a van they stranded there as kids.
Their celebration takes an extraordinary turn when a mysterious portal opens in the sand, drawing them into the very world Jo has always spoken of — Nakali, a breathtaking island alive with mythological wonders drawn from Filipino legend. The island pulses with whimsy and danger in equal measure, home to creatures both wondrous and fearsome. Some inhabitants greet them with warmth, others with suspicion, and a few with intentions far less friendly. Along the way, they pick up well-meaning but hapless allies who, despite their best efforts, seem to complicate the journey as often as they help.
As Jo and Raissa navigate this strange new realm, the strength of their lifelong friendship becomes both their anchor and their compass. Every charm on their matching bracelets carries a memory of their bond, a quiet reminder of what ties them together even in the most disorienting of places. With the path home uncertain and the island’s mysteries only beginning to unfold, the two friends must rely on each other — and perhaps on the strange companions they encounter — to survive the adventure and find their way back.
What Happens in Forgotten Island?
The complete story of Forgotten Island, from the first scene to the last, in 726 words (about 3 minutes). Spoilers throughout. Names in the text link to 7 cast member pages.
Spoilers ahead
The story begins in the 90s in the beautiful lands of the Philippines, where a young girl named Jo (H.E.R.) is adjusting to a new school environment. Jo is excited about her family history project, which revolves around the enchanting island of Nakali, a place filled with magic and mythical stories that her grandmother, Lola Fatima (Dolly De Leon), used to share. However, her tales draw the ire of some classmates, particularly a boy named Reynaldo. In a moment of frustration, Jo retaliates, leading to an unexpected visit to the principal’s office.
During her time at school, Jo encounters a fellow student named Raissa (Liza Soberano), who also finds herself in trouble for standing up for Jo’s fantastical claims. This marks the beginning of a deep friendship between the two girls. As they navigate their school years together, Raissa’s presence and the stories of Nakali help to fill the void in Jo’s life. When they graduate, the bond remains strong, but the loss of Lola Fatima becomes a pivotal moment for Jo.
As Jo prepares for college, hoping to stay connected with Raissa, her plans are disrupted when Raissa announces her acceptance to Caltech in America. Although Jo feels disheartened, she supports her friend’s ambitions. At a farewell party, Jo dresses in a chicken costume from her job, where Raissa’s mom decides to embarrass Jo by showcasing childhood pictures. In the midst of the awkwardness, Jo tries to lighten the mood by entertaining everyone with a dance, but inadvertently causes chaos by setting the lechon on fire. As this unfolds, Jo hears Raissa’s mom lamenting that Jo is a burden to her daughter.
In a bid to share one last adventure, Jo sneaks Raissa out for a nostalgic beach outing. They reminisce under the stars, when a mysterious sand dollar washes ashore. This moment magically opens a portal to Nakali, a location both are familiar with, where they leap into the vibrant, mystifying world. However, upon arrival, they realize that more than twelve hours have passed. Raissa finds herself transformed, sporting wings, while Jo discovers she no longer possesses the sand dollar needed to return home.
As they navigate Nakali, they meet Raww (Dave Franco), a quirky weredog who claims to have been with them during their previous visit. Together, they must evade Manang (Lea Salonga), the fearsome Manananggal, who is determined to reclaim her stolen wings. They soon find Batiba (Jenny Slate), a cat-like creature who extracts human memories, offering to send them home if they trade their cherished charm bracelets that symbolize their memories together.
Refusing to part with their significant memories, the trio embarks on a quest to retrieve the sand dollar. Their journey includes quirky encounters with a demon baby named Bungi (Manny Jacinto) and the whimsical Duwende, leading them to a series of misadventures where Jo accidentally breathes fire, creating a chain of chaotic events that implicate the mystical beings of Nakali.
The tale thickens as Jo’s impulsive nature causes more trouble, leading her to assertively embrace her feelings for her friendship with Raissa. Jo’s whimsical nature clashes with the Duwende’s customs, leading to misunderstandings that nearly cost them their chance to return home. As they piece together their adventures and confront various obstacles, they realize they must reclaim their past to safeguard their future.
In a heart-wrenching climax, Jo makes a deal to trade away her memories for Raissa’s safety, propelling them apart. Raissa is effortlessly returned to the beach, feeling the pangs of betrayal and heartache. Meanwhile, the call of friendship proves strong, igniting Raissa’s resolve to rescue her best friend. She plunges back into Nakali to reclaim their shared memories from the clutches of Batiba, prompting a powerful confrontation with Manang.
Through their undying camaraderie, Jo and Raissa find their way back to each other, true to their strong connection that defies even the most magical barriers. They return to the real world, equipped with a deeper appreciation for their friendship.
Years later, Raissa finds herself at an event for Jo’s new comic book inspired by their Nakali adventures, where Jo creates a narrative that positions Raissa as a heroine. Though she is puzzled by her portrayal of a love triangle, both of them cherish their extraordinary bond, ready to embrace new experiences together as a portal to Nakali opens once more, inviting them on yet another adventure.
Forgotten Island Timeline: Every Key Event in Order
15 key events in the order they happen, from “Jo's First Day at School” to “Returning Home”. 12 events name a place, across 8 locations.
- 1
Jo's First Day at School
The film opens in the Philippines in the 90s, where a young girl named Jo is starting at a new school. She becomes the subject of ridicule among her classmates for her imaginative tales about a mythical place called Nakali, as she begins a family history project.
When:1990s Where:Philippines
- 2
Jo's First Friendship
After her classmates tease her about her stories, Jo retaliates against a boy named Reynaldo, resulting in her being sent to the principal's office. However, during this experience, she meets Raissa, who defends her claims about Nakali and becomes her first friend.
- 3
Growing Up Together
As the years pass, Jo and Raissa deepen their friendship, spending more time with Jo's grandmother, Lola Fatima. Their bond becomes crucial for Jo, who no longer feels isolated, even after they graduate high school.
- 4
A Tough Goodbye
Jo is devastated when Raissa announces her acceptance to Caltech in America, even though she tries to support her friend. At a party thrown by Raissa's parents, Jo hilariously embarrasses herself but ultimately realizes the gravity of their impending separation.
Where:Raissa's home
- 5
The Last Hangout
Determined to cherish their friendship, Jo sneaks Raissa out for their last beach adventure together. While reminiscing about their childhood, they discover a sand dollar that leads them through a magical portal to Nakali.
Where:Beach
- 6
Entering Nakali
Upon arriving in Nakali, Jo and Raissa face unexpected consequences as they find that time has passed differently. Raissa has transformed, losing half her hair and gaining strange wings, while Jo realizes they’ve lost the sand dollar needed to return home.
Where:Nakali
- 7
Meeting Raww
The girls encounter Raww, a weredog who claims to have been with them the previous night. They must hide from Manang, the Manananggal, who threatens their safety as she hunts for her lost wings.
Where:Nakali
- 8
The Memory Collector
Raww brings Jo and Raissa to Batiba, a cat creature who collects memories. She informs them that they can return home if they surrender their cherished charm bracelets, but the girls refuse to give up their precious memories.
Where:Batiba's hideout
- 9
The Duwende Encounter
The trio meets the Duwende, small noble warriors who confront Jo and Raissa due to past disrespect. Instead of retrieving the sand dollar, the girls accidentally find themselves in deeper trouble while attempting to negotiate.
Where:Duwende territory
- 10
Confrontation with Manang
With Raww’s loyalty questioned, the group faces off against Manang. After a series of chaotic chases and encounters, they realize they must work together to escape the wrath of both Manang and the Duwende.
Where:Nakali
Show the other 5 events of Forgotten Island Hide the last 5 events
- 11
Hidden Truths Revealed
As tensions rise, it is revealed that Raww was collaborating with Batiba to exploit Jo and Raissa's memories. A heart-wrenching confrontation occurs between Jo and Raissa, leading to Jo hiding the sand dollar out of fear of losing her friend.
Where:Batiba's cave
- 12
Desperate Rescue
Raissa finds the hidden sand dollar but struggles against Manang as she attempts to protect Jo. After a fierce battle, she retrieves the sand dollar and rushes back to the cave, but the stakes have never been higher.
- 13
Jo's Sacrifice
Jo makes a tough decision to sacrifice her memories to ensure Raissa's safe return. A portal opens, but Raissa is thrust back to the beach, feeling the weight of betrayal as she flies to catch her plane to America.
Where:Nakali
- 14
The Power of Friendship
Feeling the pull of their connection, Raissa's charm bracelet lights up, allowing her to return to Nakali. With renewed determination, she invokes the strength of their friendship, restoring Jo's memories just in time to unite against Manang.
Where:Batiba's cave
- 15
Returning Home
After a climactic showdown, Jo and Raissa finally return to the real world, enriched by their experiences. Years later, Raissa celebrates Jo's new comic book about their adventures, honoring their unbreakable bond.
Where:Caltech
Who Are the Main Characters in Forgotten Island?
4 characters, among them Jo (H.E.R.), Raissa (Liza Soberano) and Raww (Dave Franco): who each one is and the part they play in the story. Every profile links to the actor’s page.
- J(
Jo (H.E.R.)
Played by H.E.R.
Jo is a spirited and imaginative girl whose love for storytelling leads her on an incredible adventure. Throughout the movie, she demonstrates resilience in the face of teasing from her peers. Jo's journey of self-discovery is central, showcasing her growth through the trials she faces in Nakali.
- 👩🎨 Creative
- 💪 Resilient
- ❤️ Loyal
- R(
Raissa (Liza Soberano)
Played by Liza Soberano
Raissa is Jo's best friend, who embodies support and loyalty. As a character, she grapples with the tension of pursuing her dreams while maintaining her bond with Jo. Raissa's determination to face challenges, especially in Nakali, highlights her strength and commitment to friendship.
- ✨ Supportive
- 🚀 Ambitious
- 🩷 Brave
-
Raww (Dave Franco)
Played by Dave Franco
Raww is a unique weredog who adds humor and depth to the story. Initially presented as a comical character, he evolves to become a valuable ally to Jo and Raissa. His journey parallels themes of identity and self-acceptance, demonstrating growth in the face of adversity.
- 🐶 Unique
- 😂 Funny
- 🤝 Ally
- M(
Manang (Lea Salonga)
Played by Lea Salonga
Manang, the Manananggal, represents the darker side of the magical world. She embodies the fears and challenges Jo and Raissa must overcome. Her character arc also serves as a reminder of the importance of memory and reconciliation.
- 🌒 Mysterious
- 😱 Fearsome
- 👻 Mythical
Where and When Is Forgotten Island Set?
Forgotten Island is set in Philippines and Nakali (1990s). Here is why the time and place matter to the story.
When
1990s
The film is set in the 1990s, a time marked by vibrant pop culture, unique fashion, and significant technological advancements. This decade saw the rise of youth-centric storytelling in films, emphasizing friendships and personal growth. The nostalgic backdrop of the 90s enhances the theme of childhood and the struggles of growing up.
Where
Philippines, Nakali
The movie takes place in the Philippines, showcasing its vibrant culture and beautiful landscapes. The fictional Nakali, a magical island, serves as a crucial setting where fantastical events unfold, including encounters with mythical creatures. Known for its enchanting elements, Nakali symbolizes the power of friendship and memories.
- 🇵🇭 Philippines
- 🌴 Fantasy Island
- 🌊 Beach
What Are the Themes of Forgotten Island?
3 ideas the story keeps returning to, among them Friendship, Memory and Adventure.
-
01
Friendship
The central theme of the movie revolves around friendship and the complexities that come with growing up. Jo and Raissa's bond is tested by challenges such as distance and personal sacrifices. Their journey reveals how true friendship can withstand trials and preserve cherished memories.
-
02
Memory
Memory plays a crucial role in the film, particularly how memories shape our identities and relationships. The quest for Jo and Raissa to protect their memories emphasizes the emotional weight they carry. The narrative highlights that memories are valuable, magical, and sometimes necessary to confront and share.
-
03
Adventure
The movie is an adventurous journey filled with mythical creatures and challenges. Jo and Raissa's exploration of Nakali is a representation of their growth and willingness to face the unknown. This theme encourages viewers to embrace adventure as a fundamental part of friendship.
What Kind of Film Is Forgotten Island?
Whimsical in tone, with variable pacing and a moderate story, going by the plot summary.
- Tone
- Whimsical
- Pacing
- Variable
- Story
- Moderate
- Intensity
- Medium
- Ending
- Happy
A whimsical animated adventure through Filipino folklore that weaves heartfelt friendship drama with playful humor, magical creatures, and a touching journey about memory and growing up.
- whimsical
- heartfelt
- adventurous
- magical
- playful
- nostalgic
- friendship
- filipino folklore
- magical creatures
- growing up
Content notes: death of grandmother, memory erasure, stylized supernatural peril.
Quiz
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Where to Watch Forgotten Island
Buy it from Fandango At Home. US availability and prices from JustWatch.
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