Encanto

This year has been on the low side of animated films, featuring only a few somewhat memorable entries such as Raya and the Last Dragon, Luca, and The Addams Family 2. It has certainly been a slow year for mainstream animation studios, but the year is not over yet, with Walt Disney Animation Studios a cultural installment, Encanto. Directed by Byron Howard (Zootopia, Tangled) and Jared Bush (Moana, Zootopia), this immensely colorful musical captures the magic needed this year accompanied by an infectious cast and its characters. And with the original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Encanto is bound to promote a vibrant tone and vivid imagery to appease families looking for an animated musical worthwhile.

Encanto follows the magical family, The Madrigals, based in the middle of Columbia. This family is hidden away in a beautiful town surrounded by mountains and mystical powers where every child born into the family be blessed with a magical gift, except for one — Mirabel. Being the only child in her family without a gift, she has always felt like the black sheep until one day, when the magic of the valley begins to crack, she soon realizes she may be the only one to save the miracle blessed to them and the valley. It’s a charismatic story focusing on a family charming to watch and follow, discovering more about the somewhat trite story elements. The film is a straightforward visual feast seeking to tell an inspiring message to children feeling left out in the world. The heartfelt themes along with the stunning imagery go hand in hand, depicting uplifting themes and cultural representation. And the best parts of the film come from the bouncy animation of our characters, a sight that will never cease to amaze, especially during moments when photorealistic objects are the focal point in some scenes. And the attention to detail spread the film is a satisfying achievement, with characters in the background partaking in day-to-day activities to liven the screen to the fullest. Flower petals pouring down from time to time, and particles of sand sprinkling our characters is a true vision and a delight. An animation team taking the time to polish the little things makes a film a bit more enjoyable than it already is.

And of course, without the larger-than-life characters filling the screen, Encanto would fall flat given its already unoriginal plot. Its characters give the film the energy needed to carry its narrative and present the magic Encanto is starving for. Although it may be an unoriginal film, scattered with cliches, the overall heart and soul remain consistent to capture the lighthearted atmosphere and themes. The film’s pacing travels smoothly, touching on each character needed to push the story forward, and eventually transitioning into the climax fluently to ensure there are no rough edges. The final product of the film feels polished, paving way for the excellent cast playing the entertaining characters on screen. 

The overall film is not a masterpiece per se, but it doesn’t aim to be, what Howard and Bush seem to be striving for is a wonderful family-friendly adventure to entertain those looking for a magical story. Encanto sticks the landing and crafts a story deserving of some praise, not only for its exceptional animation but also for the entire ensemble. Children will love its jolly characteristics and parents will enjoy it. Encanto is a delightful film and an exciting experience for those looking for a heartwarming story containing themes and messages fitting for many.