Finding Dory is a 2016 animated film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. It serves as a sequel to the acclaimed 2003 film Finding Nemo. Directed by Andrew Stanton, the film features the voice talents of Ellen DeGeneres as Dory, alongside Albert Brooks as Marlin and Hayden Rolence as Nemo. The story follows Dory, a regal blue tang fish with short-term memory loss, on her quest to find her long-lost parents.
The plot begins with Dory’s childhood, where she becomes separated from her parents, Jenny and Charlie, due to her memory issues. As she grows older, she forgets about them until one day, while living with Marlin and Nemo in the reef, she suddenly remembers them and the location of their home at the "Jewel of Morro Bay, California." Inspired by this memory, Dory sets off on a journey to reunite with her family, with Marlin and Nemo accompanying her.
During her adventure, Dory encounters various challenges, including being captured by staff from the Marine Life Institute. She meets Hank, a seven-legged octopus who helps her navigate the facility in exchange for her tag that would allow him to stay in the institute rather than be released back into the ocean. Throughout her journey, Dory also reconnects with childhood friends Bailey, a beluga whale, and Destiny, a whale shark. Together, they help Dory piece together memories of her past and ultimately lead her back to her parents.
As Dory follows a trail of shells that her parents had laid out for her over the years, she finally reunites with them. They reveal that they had been waiting for her return all along. In an exciting climax, Dory persuades Hank to join her in escaping from the Marine Life Institute. Their adventure culminates in a daring escape back to the ocean alongside Marlin and Nemo.
Finding Dory received positive reviews from critics and audiences alike for its animation quality, humor, and emotional depth. It explores themes of family, friendship, and resilience while showcasing Dory's optimistic spirit despite her challenges with memory loss. The film grossed over $1 billion worldwide and was nominated for several awards, including an Academy Award for Best Animated Feature.