Review: ENCANTO, Disney Animation Studios
Photo credit: Disney
Disney Animation Studios first began creating full length animated features in 1937 with Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs and after having massive successes along the way, Encanto has been titled as the 60th canonical feature-length film from the Disney Animation Studios.
The vibrancy of this film – and the story it tells – is so important for modern audiences and will become a favourite for many people, no matter your age, race, or gender.
The story follows a young girl called Mirabel, who is part of a family that was once blessed with a miracle – a magical candle that provided her struggling family with a home inside and encanto (which in English translates to charm). As each child of the family comes of age, they are blessed with a gift alongside a special room and door that represents that gift. When Mirabel comes for age, she is not given this blessing. As she grows older in a family surrounded by her gifted family, she begins to doubt herself and when a vision about her is revealed, she begins to wonder if she can ever fully belong to this family.
Encanto is a beautiful story and has a wonderful cast behind it. With incredible names such as Stephanie Beatriz (voicing Mirabel Madrigal), John Leguizamo (voicing Bruno Madrigal), Diane Guerrero (voicing Isabela Madrigal), and Wilmer Valderrama (voicing Agustín Madrigal), this film is set in Columbia and celebrates the people and the region itself. The cast truly does carry this film and it is easy to picture the smiles and fun times they would have had behind the scenes.
The most incredible part of this film, undoubtedly, must be the fact that it feels more like a stage show than a film. Much of this comes from the music, naturally, because all of the music was written by Lin Manuel-Miranda and composed by Germaine Franco, so there is an element of the Broadway-esque musical quality. But the story itself and the way the characters develop feel so much like it could exist on the stage. Disney is known for its wild adventures for the main protagonists. We have seen it in previous productions like Moana (2016), Frozen (2013) and Tangled (2010). But what Encanto does so beautifully is focuses on the theme of family being strong enough to conquer anything. The family does not need to endure an intense, action-packed adventure to fulfil a happy ending – all they need is each other.
Encanto is also a great example of the progression that Disney is making with regards to representation on the big screen – not only does this film focus on an all-Colombian family, but Maribel is also the first female protagonist of a Disney animated feature to wear glasses. The character of Luisa (Mirabel’s second older sister) challenges the ideas of feminine beauty and expectations. She is both physically strong in her gift, but also has moments of vulnerability, which makes her unquestionably beautiful. All these slight details elevate the value of this story.
There is an ambiguity to this film that is enjoyable, but others may not agree. The ambiguity comes from deciding whether the magical gifts that are given to each child are a good thing or a bad thing. At the beginning of the film, we are almost told that they are a good thing. But because Mirabel is not given one, there is a question of why is she the protagonist of this story?
Our interpretation is that she does not need one because she is the gift. Despite the glorious gifts each person has, there is a sense that each of them takes on more than they can handle, so they can maintain the title of the great Madrigal family.
Luisa has an entire song dedicated to her internal struggles and weaknesses, despite her powerful exterior.
Isabela, in the name of being constantly perfect, nearly marries a man that she does not want and is ecstatic when she grows a cactus with her gift, rather than perfectly structured flowers – she longs for some rebellion.
Delores Madrigal (Mirabel’s cousin) can hear everything that goes on with everyone. We see her struggle to keep a secret from her family.
Bruno himself is initially shunned from the family because his visions report nothing but sad or negative news for the family, and the people of this Encanto. But his visions can be seen as helpful, or at a least some kind of consolation, in the long run.
The message that speaks out is that family and community is far stronger than any magical gift that can be bestowed on a person. We have all got gifts, and talents that have been conditioned by the belief we have in ourselves, but also the belief our loved ones have in us.
This 60th feature length animation from Disney will be one to remember, of that we are 100% sure of. It will make you laugh, cry and there is something to connect with in this story, no matter who you are. We encourage all of you, Besties, to book tickets to this film and witness the vibrant and radiant Madrigal family.
***** Five stars
Reviewed by Megan Webb
Encanto is out in cinemas nationwide now.