Name: Encanto
Genre: Animation, Comedy, Family, Fantasy
Released: 2021-10-13T00:00:00+00:00
Cast: Stephanie Beatriz, María Cecilia Botero, John Leguizamo, Diane Guerrero, Jess Darrow

The first time we see the magical house of the Madrigals crack—just a tiny fissure in its vibrant blue walls—it’s a moment of quiet dread that lingers long after the shot cuts away. That image, simple yet devastating, is the heart of Encanto’s power: it knows how to make the fantastical feel deeply personal.

Directed by Byron Howard and Jared Bush, with songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, this 2021 film from Walt Disney Animation Studios follows Mirabel (Stephanie Beatriz), the only Madrigal child without a magical gift, as she tries to save her family’s dwindling magic. The film stars an impressive ensemble cast, including María Cecilia Botero as Abuela Alma, John Leguizamo as Bruno, and Diane Guerrero as Isabela, among others. Set in the mountains of Colombia, Encanto is a departure for Disney—not just in its vibrant, culturally rich setting, but in its willingness to explore themes like transgenerational trauma and the pressures of familial expectations.

What works best is the film’s emotional core. The Madrigals are a family in crisis, and their struggles feel achingly real even as they’re wrapped in magic realism. María Cecilia Botero’s voice work as Abuela Alma, the family matriarch, is particularly striking—her performance carries the weight of grief and love with equal measure. The song “Dos Oruguitas,” performed in Spanish by Sebastián Yatra, is a standout moment, a deeply moving ballad about loss and resilience that underscores Abuela’s backstory.

The animation, too, is a standout, blending lush, colorful landscapes with abstract flights of fantasy (like Luisa’s awe-inspiring display of strength in her song “Surface Pressure”). The film’s visual style is a feast for the eyes, with vibrant colors and intricate details that bring the magical world of the Encanto to life. The use of magic realism is particularly effective, grounding the fantastical elements in a way that makes them feel tangible and real.

But Encanto isn’t without its flaws. While the film’s exploration of family dynamics is compelling, it occasionally struggles to balance its emotional depth with its more conventional Disney musical beats. Some of the songs, while catchy, feel like they’re treading familiar ground—particularly in the early acts, where the film leans into well-worn tropes about sibling rivalry and the pressure to live up to expectations.

The pacing also stumbles at times, particularly in the middle act, where the narrative loses some of its momentum as it juggles multiple subplots. The introduction of Bruno (John Leguizamo) is a highlight, but his arc feels rushed, and his eventual resolution lacks the emotional payoff it deserves. Additionally, the film’s attempt to balance its more serious themes with moments of levity sometimes results in tonal whiplash, particularly in the scenes involving Antonio (Ravi Cabot-Conyers), Mirabel’s younger cousin.

Still, Encanto’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. The film’s cultural fidelity is impressive—it’s rare to see a Disney movie so committed to honoring its source material without falling into stereotypes or caricature. The voice cast is uniformly excellent, with Stephanie Beatriz delivering a standout performance as Mirabel. Her portrayal of the character’s determination and vulnerability grounds the film in a way that makes its more fantastical elements feel all the more resonant.

The film’s themes are also worth noting. Encanto is, at its core, a story about the power of family—and the ways in which love can both lift us up and weigh us down. It’s a message that feels particularly timely in an era where many of us are grappling with the complexities of our own familial relationships.

In terms of genre fit, Encanto excels as both a family film and a fantasy. Its blend of humor, heart, and magic makes it a compelling watch for viewers of all ages. The film’s originality is also noteworthy—while it shares some DNA with other Disney animated features, its Colombian setting and exploration of transgenerational trauma set it apart from the studio’s more traditional fare.

The film’s soundtrack became a breakout sensation, reaching number one on the US Billboard 200 and UK Compilation Albums charts; “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” and “Surface Pressure” were its two most successful songs, with the former topping both the US Billboard Hot 100 and UK Singles Chart for multiple consecutive weeks. The film’s associated merchandise has seen significant success, and a theme park attraction based on the film is set to open at Disney’s Animal Kingdom in 2027.

Ultimately, Encanto is a film that lingers in the mind long after the credits roll. Its emotional resonance, stunning animation, and impressive voice cast make it a standout entry in Disney’s catalog.