Disney’s 60th Animated Feature ‘Encanto’ Review
With Encanto, Walt Disney Animation Studios has reached its sixtieth theatrically released animated film, which unites many successful creatives from previous Disney hits coming onboard. This includes the directors of the academy award winning Zootropolis (or Zootopia in the US (2016), Moana (2016) song writer Lin-Manuel Miranda and producers who worked on Wreck-it Ralph (2012). But despite the talented team involved, does Encanto live up to the studio’s vast and dense library of iconic and celebrated musicals?
Encanto
Set in a hidden, vibrant and colourful town within the mountains of Columbia, the story focuses on Mirabel (Stephanie Beatriz) and her family The Madrigals, who all live in a magical house. And while her family are gifted with special powers, she never received her gift that their house bestowed on her sisters and cousins. Despite her willingness to help the family and the community without any powers of her own, she often gets overlooked for just being her ordinary self. But during her youngest cousin’s ceremony to receive his gift, Mirabel discovers that the magic that thrives among their family is in peril and she sets out to discover why it is under threat.
While recent Disney films like Frozen 2 (2019) and Raya and the Last Dragon (2021) saw the protagonists go on a big adventure across distant lands, Encanto feels refreshing as the whole film is set within the community surrounding this magical house. This makes the story feel unique as it takes it’s time to focus on the relationships between the family members and Mirabel herself that much more emotionally engaging, giving time to really know The Madrigals and never push them aside for new characters, side plots, out of place musical numbers or action sequences. It makes Mirabel that much more likeable as she is able to build strong connections with the people around her and see her grow as a character without in a leisurely pace.
Mirabel
As for the sight and sounds of the film, it’s absolutely no surprise that the soundtrack is vibrant and Disney continues to produce high quality animation.
Lin-Manuel Miranda has written a great soundtrack and his talent once again shines throughout the film, playing a strong part in the storytelling. While there were songs featured in Moana and Frozen (2013) that were more memorable, Encanto’s songs are more emotional and are used more to continue the flow of the story rather than being elaborate or chart hitting musical numbers.
As for the animation, it’s no surprise that the animators at Disney are able to use the Colombian setting to create one of the most colourful and vibrant films in their catalogue. From the detailed body and facial expressions of the characters to making each room within the magical house be just as unique as the last, the new setting gives it some fresh flair with the south American fashion and the architecture that are rarely seen in big budget films.
The Madrigals
Encanto is another musical hit for Walt Disney Animation Studios and they have given audiences a more emotional and personal story that we don’t always see. A treat for the eyes and ears, this is another gem that will hopefully be cherished among its fifty nine predecessors in Disney’s vault of classics for many years to come.
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