GOAT Movie Review: Sony’s animated film scores with heart, humour and relatable storytelling

Language: English
Director:  Adam Rosette, Tyree Dillihay
Voices: Caleb McLaughlin, Gabrielle Union, Stephen Curry, Aaron Pierre, David Harbour, Nicola Coughlan, Nick Kroll

In a world of big shots, where being huge is seen as an advantage, can a “medium” really cut through? Can someone dream big enough to make it all fall into place despite the world loudly believing otherwise? Can just one person’s trust in your dreams really propel you to the heights of greatness?

I am fairly certain that most of us have had these thoughts at some point, sitting alone in quiet introspection. And that is probably why GOAT, the latest animated film from Sony Pictures, is not just fun for the kids around you, but also an engaging watch for adults.

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GOAT is built around a simple but clever idea. Gen Z slang has transformed the term “goat,” which originally referred to the animal, into a badge of honour meaning “Greatest Of All Time.” So what if, in a world dominated by big animals like panthers, gorillas, rhinos and chimps, a literal goat rises to become a GOAT?

Set in the fantasy land of Vineland, where the biggest sport is Roarball, a fast-paced game reminiscent of basketball, the film introduces Will Harris, a small goat voiced by Caleb McLaughlin. In a sport ruled by size and strength, Will harbours a not-so-secret dream of making it to the big leagues. He does not just wish for it. He works tirelessly, training alone to stand shoulder to shoulder with players who believe he is wasting his time.

Opportunity eventually knocks when Will gets the chance to join his dream team, the Thorns, and play alongside his idol, Jett Fillmore, voiced by Gabrielle Union. For Will, this is the moment he has been waiting for. But can he step up when it matters, earn his place on the court and, more importantly, make Jett believe in him?

One of the most refreshing and surprising elements of GOAT is its flawed female hero. I realised how deeply patriarchy runs within me when I automatically assumed Jett was a male character. The pleasant shock of discovering she is a woman, and that a young male goat looks up to her as his role model, adds emotional depth to the story. Jett is fierce, ambitious and driven, a one-woman army in a team sport. She is a GOAT who struggles to trust others, choosing instead to carry everything on her own shoulders. But Roarball, much like life, is ultimately about teamwork, and learning to rely on others becomes part of her journey.

The film’s emotional core lies in its relatability. Jett’s fear of losing relevance is portrayed with nuance, while her insecurities and Will’s quiet resilience strike a chord. Even within its tight runtime of one hour and forty minutes, GOAT manages to flesh out its supporting characters effectively. There is a rhino trying to become the perfect parent, an eccentric Komodo dragon named Modo, an ostrich learning to spread her wings, a giraffe who dreamed of being a singer but ended up as an athlete, and a flamboyant antagonist who aims to become everyone’s night’mare’ but often ends up drawing laughter. Each arc feels purposeful and neatly woven into the narrative.

The pacing remains consistently sharp, never allowing the story to lose momentum. For children, this will be a visually vibrant, fast-paced ride filled with excitement and humour. For adults, especially those who walk in unsuspecting like me, the film proves to be far more relatable than anticipated. Beneath the colourful surface, GOAT touches upon ambition, self-doubt, the pressure of staying relevant, the importance of trust, and knowing when to pause.

Work hard and dream big may be familiar messages, but the film’s focus on togetherness, emotional vulnerability and personal limits adds welcome layers. Go in with kids, friends, or even alone, because GOAT delivers a genuinely satisfying dose of heartfelt entertainment.

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

WATCH the trailer of GOAT here:

GOAT will be releasing in theatres on February 20.