By now, most of you will have seen--or have, at least, become familiar with--Disney's latest animated phenomenon, Encanto. Having just scored three Academy Award nominations (including Best Animated Feature, not surprisingly) along with a #1 song on the Billboard Hot 100 (a first in the studio's history, believe it or not), it would otherwise be easy to dismiss this fantasy musical as just another "family-friendly" or "kid-centered" movie in the Mouse House's ever-growing repertoire. However, like its eponymous home and colorful cast of characters, there's a lot more, as strong sibling Luisa would put it, under the surface. Here are four reasons why Encanto is not only one of Disney's very best (and arguably the best film of 2021), but also, perhaps, its most transcendent and universal film to date.
Cultural Representation
When they made the anthropomorphic comedy Zootopia in 2016, Disney presented something of a heartfelt apology for their history of cultural insensitivity (Song of the South and Peter Pan, anyone?). On the heels of such now-iconic characters as the African-American princess Tiana and the Polynesian-born Moana, Disney has been making great strides by embracing various cultures in their most recent films, in turn helping respective audiences feel seen and heard--some for the first time. In the case of Encanto, they represented the South American country of Columbia, from its food to its locales, architecture (the central casita is arguably the most famous animated home since Carl & Ellie Frederickson's from Pixar's Up), forests, music and various dance styles, and people. And its years of research and production really show, doing its respective community proud.
Cast of Characters
The basic summary of Encanto involves a magical home in Columbia, with a family where each member has a magical gift--except for the titular Mirabel. The film follows her journey of saving her home, and discovering more about herself and her relatives along the way. With that said, the film expertly takes it times to get to know each family member, revealing unexpected layers and depth than their abilities (or lack thereof) suggest.
Lin-Manuel Miranda
Known for his groundbreaking stage musicals Hamilton and In the Heights (the latter of which was adapted into a superb feature film in 2021), Miranda got his feet wet at Disney with the songs for 2016's Moana, as well as a supporting role in the 2018 sequel Mary Poppins Returns. 2021 marked an incredible (and busy) year for the multi-talented singer-songwriter-actor, not only with Encanto and Heights, but also the Netflix/Sony Animation-produced Vivo (a charming adventure where Miranda voices a kinkajou) and an impressive directorial debut with the Jonathan Larson biopic tick, tick . . . Boom! For Encanto, the now-catchy and re-playable songs are thoroughly character- and story-driven as they are entertaining. It also helps that they're just as rich and lively as the film's animation and artistry (further enhanced by a tall 1.85:1 aspect ratio. This is truly best experienced on the big screen).
More Than a "Disney" Film
I admit, I thought Encanto was "good" when I first saw it. But after I saw the film again, and the more I listened to its soundtrack (and I've listened to it a lot since then), the more I came to appreciate its originality, its risk-taking, and its infectious charm. Like 2017's The Greatest Showman (another great soundtrack), Encanto really grows on you, whether through its strong themes and dynamics involving the pain of living up to expectations, or the discovery of one's true potential and/or the realization that we don't simply need superpowers to be great.
With that in mind, the film has become a form of therapy for families and children who relate to these themes and dynamics, whether they identify with the awkward and bespectacled Mirabel, the flower-sprouting Isabela, the innocence of the animal-loving cousin Antonio (who's become a viral sensation), the well-meaning-but-stubborn Abuela Alma, or even the mysterious Bruno (oh, I forgot, we're not supposed to talk about him). Further themes of embracing the flaws in others--and with courage and grace--have helped Encanto officially transcend its Disney label (as well as its medium) with a beautiful story of family and community. It's almost hard to believe they told such a great story in one primary setting but on such a massive scale.
I would argue that this is a terrific film for those who are generally cynical towards Disney movies, let alone animated musicals, princesses, and animal sidekicks, of which this film doesn't really have any (save for possibly two key family members). Furthermore, if you only see one Disney animated film this century (no offense, Anna and Elsa), make it Encanto. You may be surprised.
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