Encanto, an instant hit of a Disney film, has planted its place in the hearts of many people. A film based in Colombia, it follows the story of three generations of the Madrigal family, a family in which everyone is “fantastical and magical,” as explained in the opening song. Each member of the Madrigal family is gifted with a magical power, except for Mirabel, the 15-year-old protagonist who only wants to make a difference in her family and community, the same way everyone else in her family can with their gifts. 

A story of intergenerational trauma and healing, Encanto has all its bases covered when it comes to covering the different trials and tribulations family members face. The eldest who’s expected to be perfect; the middle child who’s expected to handle all the family problems and solve them despite the overwhelming pressure. The youngest, who works hard to be worthy of love and appreciation in the family and community. These are just a few examples; despite being just under two hours in length, Encanto showcases the vast diversity of characters and their journey as a family to fix their home, which is mysteriously breaking apart. 

While I’d love to cover every second of the movie, there are some things to be kept secret for those who haven’t experienced the magic of Encanto yet. From my perspective, there’s a heartwarming and tragic magic to this movie that I haven’t often seen in animated pieces, especially from Disney. The importance of family is the main theme of the movie, yet the family is far from perfect, which is what makes this such a relatable film. Instead of highlighting a love story, or the journey and sacrifices of one family member such as films like The Little Mermaid or Moana, there is reflection on how there is wrongdoing within the family, and no one is outright villainized because of it. It’s clear in almost every movie who the villain is, even usually noticeable on the movie poster, or even in the commercials that urge consumers to go see it. However, Encanto does a good job of villainizing someone who is the furthest thing from a villain I won’t mention who, though, just for those who haven’t seen it yet. 

Encanto is made only even more brilliant with the musical genius of Lin Manuel Miranda, who wrote the hit Broadway musical Hamilton, worked on Moana and composed all the music in Encanto. As of January 28th, 2022 the song “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” rose to number one on the top billboard charts, breaking a record previously held by Frozen’s hit song, “Let it Go.” 

Encanto is a movie for everyone, no matter your age and company. A film to leave you in happy tears, the gifted cast and crew has outdone themselves with the brilliance of this movie. Part of the new era of proper representation for people of colour, Encanto has a diverse cast of voice actors. This includes actors with such incredible range, like Stephanie Beatriz as Mirabel, well known for her role as Rosa Diaz on Brooklyn Nine-Nine, or John Leguizamo, who voiced Sid the Sloth in the Ice Age franchise. 

There’s no other way to word it; if you haven’t had the chance to see Encanto, do it. Make a night out of it; load up Disney plus, make yourself a bowl of popcorn, and get nice and comfy in a blanket. Invite your family, your roommates, your partner, your friends, and make sure you have tissues readily available. A film for the ages, Encanto will find a place in your heart, or at the very least, one of the songs will become an earworm. Just remember the one rule in the Madrigal family; we don’t talk about Bruno!