Faven Tesfamichael (10) | STAFF REPORTER
WARNING: May contain some spoilers.
Ever since Disney Pixar announced the creation of this film, many people have been awaiting its release with much anticipation. Finally, on the 25th of December, Disney’s Soul was made available for streaming on Disney+.
Much of the talk surrounding the film regarded having a black lead in the film whose character can showcase some modern forms of black culture. The story follows Joe Gardner (Jamie Foxx) and a soul named 22 (Tina Fey) as they try to find 22’s spark in life. Joe’s character has been obsessed with jazz music ever since he was a child. The movie elegantly illustrates Joe’s relationship with Jazz music while also showing the reality that can come when chasing one’s dreams.
When the public first heard about the concept of the movie there was some controversy surrounding Disney often having characters of colour not remaining human for the entirety of the movie. This was controversial because it meant that Joe would not truly have a black person’s experience in the movie. More controversy can be found in this as the character 22 does switch bodies with Joe for most of the movie. Some viewers were concerned by the idea that it becomes a white woman voicing a black man during many points of the film. Since there was much cultural significance of having a black character with black culture being a moving part of the movie, some viewers are conflicted about how they feel regarding this topic.
The movie itself has to do with a person’s soul and what their spark is. The movie comes across similar to the style of Inside Out but, dealing with topics similar to the movie Coco. The movie itself shows the journey that Joe and 22 take to understand what a person’s spark is. Joe assumes that a person’s spark must also be their life purpose; which it is not. However, Joe being misguided in his philosophy, makes his realization more satisfying. When 22 finds their spark Joe realizes that his life should not be reduced to a purpose but appreciated as a life.
The plot of the movie is an interesting one nonetheless. The way it is delivered, gives viewers enough time to learn more about both, the supporting, and the main characters. The most important side characters for the plot are the ones who do not necessarily play important roles in Joe’s life. The diverse placement of side characters demonstrates how any relationship can impact a person’s life. One especially enjoyable part of this movie was the fact that the side characters are not solely focused on the main characters. The actions and dialogue between the characters feel natural and human. Overall, the movie does well at bringing across its message without sacrificing the smaller details or the development of supporting characters.
This movie is another example of Pixar being creative with the way they use animation for storytelling. It is an enjoyable movie for people of all ages from the likeable characters to the overall message of enjoying life.
⭐⭐⭐⭐1/2 (4.5 stars)
