Toy Story 4 begins with a flashback to nine years earlier, showing how Woody, Buzz Lightyear, and the rest of the toys tried to rescue Bo Peep and her sheep from being given away. Although Woody tries to save Bo Peep, she reassures him that it’s okay, and she leaves with her new owner. Woody is heartbroken, but the scene sets the tone for Woody’s emotional journey throughout the film.
Woody’s New Life: In the present day, Woody, Buzz, and the gang have found a new home with Bonnie, after being passed on from Andy in Toy Story 3. However, Woody is no longer Bonnie’s favorite toy. She now prefers Jessie, and Woody finds himself often left in the closet, feeling less important than he used to. Despite this, Woody remains deeply loyal to Bonnie and is determined to help her in any way he can.
On her first day of kindergarten, Bonnie feels nervous and lonely. Woody sneaks into her backpack to comfort her and secretly helps her craft a new toy during arts and crafts: a spork with googly eyes and pipe-cleaner arms that she names Forky. To Bonnie, Forky becomes her new favorite toy, but Forky doesn’t understand his purpose as a toy. He constantly tries to throw himself in the trash, believing he’s just trash. Woody takes it upon himself to protect Forky and teach him what it means to be a toy.
The Road Trip: Bonnie’s family goes on a road trip, bringing all the toys along for the ride. Woody spends much of the trip keeping Forky from throwing himself away, but Forky eventually escapes out of the RV window. Woody jumps after him, determined to bring Forky back to Bonnie. The two end up on a journey back to the RV, during which Woody explains to Forky why toys are important to children and how being there for Bonnie gives him a sense of purpose.
While walking through town, Woody spots an antique store and notices Bo Peep’s lamp in the window. Hoping to find Bo, Woody and Forky enter the store, where they encounter Gabby Gabby, an old-fashioned doll with a broken voice box. Gabby Gabby wants Woody’s voice box to replace her broken one, hoping that if she can fix her voice, she will finally be loved by a child. Woody refuses, and with the help of Forky, escapes.
Reuniting with Bo Peep: While searching for Bo, Woody finds her living as a “lost toy” in a nearby carnival. Bo has embraced her independence, traveling from place to place without a child, enjoying the freedom it offers. Woody is amazed by Bo’s transformation—she is now resourceful and adventurous. Although Bo has moved on from needing to belong to a child, Woody is still deeply tied to his belief that toys are meant to be there for children.
Bo agrees to help Woody rescue Forky, who has been captured by Gabby Gabby. Along the way, they meet new toys like Duke Caboom, a Canadian stuntman toy with a flair for dramatic poses, and Ducky and Bunny, two carnival prize toys with a sarcastic sense of humor.
Forky’s Rescue: After much planning and a few mishaps, Woody, Bo, and their new friends manage to rescue Forky from Gabby Gabby. However, Woody has a change of heart. He decides to give Gabby Gabby his voice box, believing that she deserves a chance to be loved by a child. Gabby Gabby is overjoyed and is finally chosen by a little girl at the carnival, fulfilling her dream.
Woody’s New Path: After returning Forky to Bonnie, Woody faces a difficult choice. He realizes that while Bonnie doesn’t need him as much anymore, he has found a new purpose with Bo and the other lost toys. Bo shows him that there is more to being a toy than just belonging to one child—he can still bring joy and adventure to toys and children everywhere.
In a heartfelt decision, Woody chooses to stay with Bo Peep and the other lost toys, saying goodbye to Buzz, Jessie, and the rest of the gang. Buzz reassures Woody with the words, “She’ll be okay,” referring to Bonnie, giving Woody the peace of mind to move on. The film closes with Woody, Bo, and their new friends embarking on new adventures at the carnival, embracing their newfound freedom.
Closing Thoughts: Toy Story 4 beautifully explores the themes of change, purpose, and self-discovery. Woody’s journey comes full circle as he learns that sometimes, letting go and finding a new path is okay. With heartfelt moments, humor, and the familiar magic of the beloved toys, Toy Story 4 serves as a touching conclusion to Woody’s story, while opening up new possibilities for adventure.