Next Gen Hindi

Overview

Released in 2018, Next Gen is a Netflix animated sci-fi adventure that blends action, humour and emotional weight far better than its marketing suggests. Directed by Kevin R. Adams and Joe Ksander, the film builds a neon-bright world full of advanced robotics — but underneath the futuristic gloss, it tells a raw story about loneliness, trauma and what connection actually means.

When I watched it, I expected a “kid-friendly robot romp.” Instead, it punched harder emotionally than many live-action blockbusters. It’s a movie that sneaks up on you — colourful, loud, and then suddenly introspective in ways you’re not ready for.

Plot & Setup

The story follows Mai Su, a rebellious teenager drowning in resentment and abandonment issues. Ever since her father left, she’s grown to hate the very thing her society worships — robots. In a world obsessed with AI helpers, she feels like one of the few humans who hasn’t “upgraded” emotionally.

During a chaotic visit to a tech expo, she stumbles into a secret lab where she meets Project 7723 — an experimental, combat-ready robot with advanced learning capabilities and a surprisingly gentle personality.

What follows isn’t just a girl-and-her-robot adventure — it’s a story about healing. Mai’s anger, the robot’s innocence, and the looming threat of a tech mogul with sinister plans collide in an action-heavy but deeply personal narrative.

As a viewer, seeing Mai’s emotional arc hit me hard: the movie doesn’t sugarcoat teenage rage or the way trauma twists your worldview. Watching 7723 slowly understand human pain gives the story more heart than expected.

Characters & Performances

• Mai (Charlyne Yi) — stubborn, wounded, fiercely human. She isn’t made “likable” for the audience; she’s real, flawed, and growing.
• 7723 (John Krasinski) — the emotional core. His balance between childlike wonder and existential weight makes the story hit.
• Justin Pin (Jason Sudeikis) — the charismatic villain whose glossy charm hides something darker.
• Dr. Tanner Rice (David Cross) — the creator torn between ethics and ambition.

The voice acting is ridiculously good for a film that flew under the radar. Krasinski, especially, gives 7723 a warmth that feels more genuine than many human characters in big-budget films.

Themes & Tone

The deceptively bright, futuristic world hides heavier themes:

1. Abandonment & Anger

Mai’s anger isn’t thrown in for drama — it’s relatable. Her emotional whiplash, her misdirected rage toward robots, her frustration with a mother who disappears into tech addiction… it’s messy and honest.

2. What Makes Us Human?

7723 struggles with identity:

• Is he just lines of code?
• Can a machine feel loyalty?
• Is memory necessary for meaning?

His dilemma about keeping memories or freeing up space for combat hits hard — it’s the closest the movie gets to pure heartbreak.

3. Tech Addiction & Disconnection

The film nails how technology can replace emotional presence. Families glued to devices, people outsourcing every decision — it’s exaggerated but uncomfortably close to reality.

4. Friendship That Actually Changes You

Mai doesn’t instantly soften. 7723 doesn’t magically “fix” her. Their growth feels earned, which gives the film lasting impact.

Tone-wise:

• It’s colourful and fast-paced like a mainstream animated movie.
• But the emotional beats? Much heavier.
• Think Big Hero 6 meets The Iron Giant, but angrier and more grounded.

Production Quality

For a Netflix original with no giant studio behind it, the animation slaps.

• Fluid action sequences.
• Great mechanical design for robots.
• Clean neon aesthetic without feeling generic.

What stands out is the visual storytelling: shots linger where they should, expressions carry emotional weight, and action is always tied to character growth.

Reception

Next Gen didn’t get the Hollywood push it deserved, but audiences who discovered it praise:

• its emotional depth,
• its fresh take on AI companionship,
• and its surprisingly mature themes.

It’s now considered an underrated gem, especially for fans of heartfelt sci-fi.

**Personal Take:

Why Next Gen Stuck With Me Personally**
What makes the movie hit harder than expected is how 7723 and Mai mirror real human dynamics:

• One person trying hard to understand.
• The other trying hard to push everyone away.

There’s a scene where 7723 deletes precious memories to protect her — and it’s genuinely crushing. It’s rare for animation to tackle emotional sacrifice this boldly.

Watching Mai slowly realise that connection requires vulnerability — that’s the film’s quiet victory.

This movie doesn’t lecture you; it shows you the price of emotional walls.

Why It Stands Out

• Not your typical “robot friend” movie — it digs deeper.
• Characters aren’t softened for kids; they’re portrayed realistically.
• The emotional arc lands harder than some adult dramas.
• The world feels familiar yet visually distinct.
• It takes risks — especially in the final act.

If you’re into storytelling that mixes futuristic tech with raw human emotion, Next Gen delivers more than expected.

Conclusion

Next Gen is one of those rare animated films that feels fun on the surface but leaves you thinking long after the credits roll. With strong themes, emotional punch, and stylish action, it’s a must-watch for anyone who loves sci-fi with heart.

It’s not just about robots. It’s about memory, connection, pain, and the messy process of learning to trust again.