Butterflies, Candles, And Cracks In The Walls

“Encanto” (2021) – movie review
Today’s review is for the animated musical fantasy “Encanto” (2021), directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, with music by Lin-Manuel Miranda and score by Germaine Franco.  The film features Stephanie Beatriz as Mirabel Madrigal (the only member of her magical family without a “gift”), María Cecilia Botero as Abuela Alma (the matriarch guarding the miracle), John Leguizamo as Bruno (the ostracized uncle whose visions foretold trouble), Diane Guerrero as Isabela (the “perfect” sister whose floral powers mask deeper frustrations), and Jessica Darrow as Luisa (the strong sibling cracking under pressure).  Set in a vibrant Colombian village, the story unfolds within a sentient house and a family blessed with supernatural abilities — all except Mirabel, whose lack of a gift becomes the key to saving them all.
Background:  This film was recommended by one of my daughters who couldn’t believe I hadn’t already seen it.  Released in November 2021, “Encanto” had a modest theatrical run, however, its post-release success on Disney+ transformed it into a cultural phenomenon.  The soundtrack, especially “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” topped charts and became a viral sensation.  The film won the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature in 2022, along with three Grammy Awards, and is now considered one of Disney’s most emotionally resonant modern entries.  It’s also notable for being the first Disney animated feature scored by a Latina composer (Franco), and for its nuanced portrayal of intergenerational trauma within a Latin American setting.
Plot:  The Madrigal family lives in a magical house — Casita — powered by a miracle born from tragedy.  Each family member receives a unique gift:  super strength, healing, shape-shifting, animal communication, and more.  Mirabel, however, receives nothing.  As cracks begin to form in the house and the family’s powers falter, Mirabel sets out to uncover the truth behind the miracle’s fading light.  Her journey leads her to Bruno, the exiled uncle whose prophecies were misunderstood, and ultimately to a confrontation with Abuela Alma’s rigid expectations.  Through reconciliation and vulnerability, the family learns that their true strength lies not in their gifts, but in their unity.
So, is this movie any good?  How’s the acting?  The filming / FX?  Any problems?  And, did I enjoy the film?  Short answers:  Yes;  vibrant and heartfelt (for animation);  dazzling and layered;  a few;  absolutely.
Any Good?  Yes.  “Encanto” is a visually lush, emotionally layered film that trades traditional villain arcs for internal family dynamics.  It’s a story about identity, pressure, and the cost of perfection.  The narrative is deceptively simple but rich — exploring generational expectations, emotional repression, and the healing power of empathy.  It’s not a “hero’s” quest film in the traditional sense, but it is a film which explores and ultimately is a reckoning / understanding your place film.
Acting:  Stephanie Beatriz anchors the film with warmth and nuance.  Her Mirabel is earnest, funny, and quietly defiant.  María Cecilia Botero’s Abuela balances sternness with sorrow, and her arc — from protector to oppressor to redeemer — is one of the film’s most compelling.  John Leguizamo’s Bruno is both comic relief and emotional core, and his performance adds depth to a character who could’ve been a caricature.  (His role is my personal favorite in this film.)  Jessica Darrow’s Luisa and Diane Guerrero’s Isabela shine in their musical numbers, revealing the burdens behind their gifts.  The ensemble voice cast is uniformly strong, and the characters feel lived-in despite their animated form.
Filming / FX:  The animation is stunning.  Casita is a character unto itself — expressive, playful, and reactive, very reminiscent of the the “alive / animated” castle from “Beauty And The Beast“.  The color palette is rich with Colombian textures, flora, and architecture.  Musical sequences are kinetic and symbolic:  Luisa’s “Surface Pressure” visualizes anxiety as a collapsing circus;  Isabela’s “What Else Can I Do?” bursts with chaotic beauty.  The choreography of movement — both in dance and emotion — is precise.  The film’s visual language is metaphorical:  cracks in walls mirror cracks in relationships, and butterflies signal transformation (personal growth AND personal emergence).
Problems:  A few (and minor).  The film’s pacing is brisk — sometimes (much) too brisk.  Emotional revelations arrive quickly, and some characters (like Camilo and Dolores) feel in need of more developement.  The resolution, while satisfying, leans heavily on sentiment and could benefit from more narrative support.  Also, the central metaphor — a magical candle sustaining a miracle — is vague in its mechanics.  But these are minor quibbles in a film that prioritizes emotional truth over plot logistics.
Did I Enjoy the Film?  Yes.  “Encanto” is a film that registered for me as an Hispanic American – not personally, but because I recognize the characters in my own extended family.  It’s not just about magic — it’s about pressure, silence, and the longing to be seen.  Watching Mirabel navigate a family that both loves and overlooks her is quietly devastating and ultimately uplifting.  The film’s final act — where gifts are restored not through a miracle but through understanding — is a masterstroke of emotional storytelling.  And yes, the music is catchy.  But it’s the message that resonates:  you don’t need a “gift” to be extraordinary.  YOU are the “gift” and YOU are extraordinary!
Final Recommendation:  Strong recommendation.  “Encanto” is a heartfelt, visually dazzling film that redefines what a Disney “hero” looks like.  It’s a story about emotional labor, familial expectations, and the courage to confront silence.  If you’re interested in animated films that blend cultural specificity with universal themes, this one hits the target.  It’s rated PG for thematic elements and mild peril, but its emotional depth is what makes it memorable.  Watch it for the music, stay for the message, and remember — the miracle is you.
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Click here (26 November) to see the posts of prior years.  I started this blog in late 2009.  Daily posting began in late January 2011.  Not all of the days in the early years (2009-2010) will have posts.

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