Encanto
The premiere for Disney’s latest release Encanto started as many great Disney films do – with a short film. Far From The Tree is a Walt Disney Animation Studios animated short about a young raccoon whose parent attempts to keep them both safe from the dangers that surround them. The film centres around what it’s like to grow up, and while there are many reasons to be fearful and wanting to protect our children, it’s also important to embrace life and live with an open heart.
Encanto is Disney’s 60th animated film, and starts with a magical and musical journey set in the mountains of Colombia in a magical town. We are introduced to 15 year old Mirabel Madrigal (Stephanie Beatriz) and the entire Madrigal family. The film wastes no time in their opening song, explaining how magic has influenced their lives and how they are each known for their special abilities and gifts that have been bestowed upon them once they come of age. The Madrigals’ powers range, from Mirabel’s mother, who can heal people with her cooking, to her sisters who have super strength and can make flowers bloom, to her extended relatives who can control the weather, shape shift, or have super-hearing. Everyone has a special gift that makes them special. Everyone that is, except for Mirabel.
Directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard (Zootopia, Tangled), Encanto is a heartwarming tale about how you don’t need to have magical powers to be special. Mirabel is forced to face uncertain odds and must overcome a range of obstacles, resulting in her delving into her family history in order to save them and the magic that defines them. Star performances in the film include Stephanie Beatriz as Mirabel, as well as María Cecilia Botero as Abuela, and John Leguizamo as Bruno Madrigal. The soundtrack in the film is phenomenal, with a recognisable influence from the latest and greatest Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton, In The Heights). Our favourite tracks included the opening song The Family Madrigal, the catchy We Don’t Talk About Bruno and of course, Colombia, Mi Encanto.
While there are certain elements that are all too familiar in the Disney universe, an outsider heroine trying to save her family (Moana, Elsa from Frozen), the film finds a more relatable angle in a kind-hearted girl who just wants to care for her family because she loves them. Everything about the film, from the animation to the enchanting storyline and the magical soundtrack, point to Encanto being the next big hit. This fresh new take on a group of characters with special powers manages to exceed all expectations and deliver something truly special.