Finding Dory

In the heartwarming and adventurous tale that continues the journey of Dory, the beloved blue tang fish from Finding Nemo, the story picks up with her reunion with old friends Nemo and Marlin. This time, however, the trio embarks on a journey to uncover the mysteries surrounding Dory's past. The film, Finding Dory, takes viewers on a deep dive into Dory’s long-forgotten memories as she grapples with questions about her origins, her family, and her unique ability to speak Whale.

Dory has always been a fun-loving, optimistic fish, but her short-term memory loss has often led to challenges and confusion. In Finding Nemo, Dory was a loyal companion to Marlin, helping him find his son, Nemo, while also offering countless moments of comic relief. However, in this sequel, Dory finds herself motivated by something deeper: a yearning to understand who she truly is. As she recalls fragmented memories from her past, she becomes determined to find her parents and learn where she came from.

The story begins when Dory starts to have flashes of memories of her family, which leads her to believe that her parents are still out there, waiting for her. This sets off a chain of events that takes Dory, Marlin, and Nemo to a marine life institute, a sprawling aquatic sanctuary where sea creatures are rehabilitated and cared for. The institute, filled with new and colorful characters, becomes the backdrop for Dory’s quest to reconnect with her past.

As the trio ventures further into the marine institute, Dory’s search for answers is filled with both hilarious and touching moments. Along the way, she encounters new friends like Destiny, a near-sighted whale shark, and Bailey, a beluga whale with special sonar abilities. These characters play key roles in helping Dory understand her past and, in the process, demonstrate the importance of embracing one’s identity, regardless of the challenges one may face.

One of the central mysteries Dory wants to solve is her ability to speak Whale, a unique skill she has always possessed but never fully understood. As she delves deeper into her memories, she learns that this ability is tied to her past, and the answers she uncovers are both surprising and heartwarming. Through the journey, Dory realizes that her memory loss, though frustrating, does not define her. Instead, it is her ability to adapt, love, and form deep connections that truly shapes who she is.

The film explores themes of self-discovery, family, and the value of friendship. Marlin and Nemo, though initially hesitant about Dory's quest, offer unwavering support and remind viewers that even those with the most challenging circumstances are worthy of love and understanding. Their friendship with Dory is a testament to the power of inclusion and the beauty of accepting others for who they are, flaws and all.

In the end, Dory’s search is not just about finding her parents, but about understanding herself and her place in the world. Through her journey, she discovers that sometimes the answers we seek are not just in our memories, but in the relationships we build and the love we share. Finding Dory reminds audiences of the importance of never giving up, no matter how lost we may feel at times, and that family is not just about blood, but about the bonds we create along the way.

Director: Andrew Stanton, Angus MacLane, Seong-Young Kim

Genre: Adventure, Animation, Comedy, Family

Cast: Aaron Fors, Aaron Hendry, Albert Brooks, Alex Puccinelli, Alexander Gould, Allison Janney, Andreana Weiner, Andrew Stanton, Andy Hirsch, Angus MacLane, Ashlyn Faith Williams, Austin Pendleton