Encanto (2021)
★★★½ — Encanto (2021)
Encanto (2021) is a vibrant, musically rich addition to Disney’s modern animated canon, bursting with colour, culture, and heart. Set in a magical Colombian village, it follows Mirabel, the only member of her extraordinary family who doesn’t have a supernatural gift, as she tries to save their enchanted home from crumbling. The animation is stunning: every frame pulses with intricate patterns, lush landscapes, and expressive character designs that feel both fantastical and deeply rooted in real Colombian traditions. The songs, courtesy of Lin-Manuel Miranda, are catchy and character-driven, especially “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” which became a global phenomenon for good reason. They blend Latin rhythms with Broadway flair, adding emotional texture without overwhelming the story. And while the plot isn’t groundbreaking (it’s another tale of self-worth and family pressure) it handles its themes with more nuance than many Disney films, touching on intergenerational trauma, perfectionism, and the weight of expectation. That said, Encanto sometimes feels like it’s juggling too much: a large cast, multiple subplots, and rapid emotional shifts that don’t always land with full impact. The pacing stumbles in the middle, and a few characters get lost in the shuffle. But the core relationship (Mirabel’s quiet resilience against a family that overlooks her) resonates strongly. Not Disney’s most polished film, but one of its most culturally alive. With gorgeous visuals, memorable music, and genuine emotional warmth, Encanto may not reinvent the formula, but it sings with enough joy and sincerity to make the magic feel real.
Rating: ★★★½ | Year: 2021 | Watched: 2026-04-15
