Encanto (2021)
“My gift wasn’t helping the family. But, I love my family, you know?” – Bruno.
Encanto (2021)
Directed by: Jared Bush, Byron Howard
Written by: Byron Howard (story), Charise Castro Smith (screenplay), Jared Bush (screenplay)
Starring: Stephanie Batriz, Maria Cecilia Botero, John Leguizamo
Modern Disney animations are formulaic yet effective. They all look incredible, the musical numbers are catchy and fun, and they provide a powerful message for younger viewers. However, outside of Soul, the cookie-cutter story with an interchangeable cultural lead is getting a little bit repetitive.
Encanto follows this same formula, with Columbian teenager Mirabel (Beatriz) struggling to accept that she’s the only member of her family without magical powers. Therefore the most important messages within the film are those of identity, and the idea that anyone can be ‘special’ even if they don’t have superpowers. In a world that is now saturated with superhero movies, I thought this was an incredible message for small children – you don’t need to be Superman or Batman or Wonder Woman; your superpower is being the best version of yourself that you can be.
I also wholeheartedly support Disney’s expanding cultural representation in their films, with a migrant Latino heroine allowing children from Latino backgrounds to see themselves on the big-screen.The overarching theme of immigration and acceptance will also hopefully resonate with some little ones.
All-in-all, this felt quite similar to Luca, and Raya and the Last Dragon, but with wholesome messaging and great visuals, at least it’s the repetition of something good.
Rating: 7.5/10