Disney’s Encanto-Spoiler Free Movie Review

Family, the center of any individual’s life. Good or bad, home is where everything begins. Disney’s 60th animated movie, Encanto, revolves around this subject; the core of every human being, family. After attending “A Look Inside Disney’s Encanto” during the 2021 SCAD Savannah Film Fest, I decided that I had to watch the whole movie as soon as it came out. Premiered on Thanksgiving day, Encanto is an excellent film to bring together young and olds to enjoy a beautiful family message during this holiday season. It tells the story of the magical Madrigal family and the protagonist’s quest to save her broken home. I fell in love with this film’s plot, animation, and music.

This movie started with great success on its premiere day, netting $7.5 million at the box office. There is no doubt that this movie excels during the first few days of its premier because its colorful animation, music, and plot leave audiences swooning and crying. Seeing how the characters developed throughout the film, I could relate to one or two of the diverse Madrigal family members. We all contribute to our families the same way the Madrigals contribute to the Encanto miracle. The overall plot is simple, but it provides a vital family message that I think everyone should pay attention to.

Encanto represents the Latinx community, giving more characterization to immigrant families and Hispanic countries. For Disney to give voice to this minority group means a lot to me, mainly because I come from a Hispanic Puerto Rican family. Furthermore, it shows growth within the theater, portraying the culture and warmth of the Latinx families. For example, the colorful animation within Encanto is meant to represent Colombian magical culture. In addition to this, Carlos Vives and Sebastian Yatra, Colombian singers, sang a few musical numbers in the movie written by composer Lin-Manuel Miranda who’s family is Puertorican. These songs left me having a fun time while, at the same time, some of them brought tears to my eyes. Overall, Latinx representation is evident in every aspect of this movie, and it’s one of the critical characteristics of this film.

The Colombian magical realism of this film is very promising. It tells the story of the Madrigal family; they have magic gifts provided by the history of their home. Maybe none of us possess literal magic within us or powers provided by miracles like the Madrigals. Still, the realistic aspect of this movie leaves us reflecting on which is our inner strength that brings our own unique families together.

Encanto is an excellent film for anyone to watch. Streaming today in theaters and during Christmas on Disney Plus, it is a film that no family should miss. Find your gift and what you can contribute to your own beautiful family by watching Disney’s Encanto.