We don’t talk about Bruno, but we do need to talk about this amazing movie. This colorful, beautiful, slice-of-life story that focuses on the Madrigal family will charm everyone. Let’s explore why it is resonating with so many people and why you should add it to your watch list.
THE STORY
Set in Colombia’s paradisial mountainside, lies a magical town called Encanto. At the heart of the town lives the Madrigal family. The magic of Encanto has blessed every child in the Madrigal family with a unique gift revealed in a ceremony that all the town partakes in. However, an exception arises with a child named Mirabel. As the story progresses, we observe how trouble keeps growing within the Madrigal household and how it is up to Mirabel to save the magic and her home. It is a simple story with a beautiful message of acceptance, the importance of family, and love. Likewise, it delves on topics such as displacement, generational trauma, and family pressures in a relatable way. It is a charming story that anyone can resonate with. It beautifully displays Colombian culture with small details that showcase that the writers did their homework. A few examples include the flowers (especially orchids, which are the national flowers of the country), arepas, coffee, references to One Hundred Years of Solitude by Colombian novelist Gabriel García Márquez with the yellow butterflies, and many others.
THE CHARACTERS
Welcome to the Family Madrigal, where everyone is magical and fantastical. The matriarch and head of the household is Abuela Alma. She takes center stage as she directs others to their designated roles, honoring the memory of her husband Pedro. Then come the triplets, Julieta, Pepa and Bruno. The eldest, Julieta, has the power to heal, which she provides through her cooking. Her warmth and kindness will remind anyone of that particular caring and thoughtful family member. She married the accident-prone and sweetheart Agustin, sharing a love for their three daughters: Luisa, Isabela and our titular character Mirabel.
Luisa’s power is super strength. She carries the role of the older sister to heart, with her hard work and determination. Her complete opposite is graceful and poised Isabela, who has the power to make plants grow and flowers bloom. Mirabel is the only child without powers, determined to prove to her family that she belongs. Headstrong, though a bit insecure, Mirabel represents the healer of the family. She is the person who reveals and reflects people’s true feelings.
On the other hand, we have quirky aunt Pepa, whose powers include controlling the weather with her emotions. She is married to the loveable and understanding Felix, and they have three children named Dolores, Camilo, and Antonio. Their eldest daughter, Dolores, is the first to know all the secrets in the town as her powers are super hearing. Meanwhile, their son Camilo is the trickster and entertainer of the household with his powers of shape-shifting. Their youngest son, shy Antonio, nervously awaits the revelation of his powers.
Okay, we will briefly talk about Tio Bruno, but not for too long. The mysterious and elusive final triplet is estranged from the family. His powers include the ability to see in the future, with predictions that often cause problems for the town. He disappeared and nobody has seen him since.
The movie presents a wide range of personalities that helps audience members to see themselves reflected in them. In my case, I relate to aunt Pepa and Antonio because sometimes my emotions get the best of me and I can be quite shy; but like both, I care deeply for my family.
THE MUSIC
Composed by Lin Manuel Miranda and Germaine Franco, the movie incorporates a range of musical genres. It includes traditional musical instruments from Colombia and integrates them in genres of salsa, tango, vallenato, cumbia, reggaeton, musical theater, with instances of pop, rock, folk and hip hop. The music is upbeat, danceable, fun and super catchy to the point that it will get stuck on your head for days.
Reminiscent of his mentor Sondheim, the movie has what I call Lin moments/Lin Manuel Miranda-isms where we see tropes that he utilizes in his projects. Some of these include a slow song that builds in tension, overlapping vocals, the generational message, rapping, a narrator as a self-inserted character breaking the fourth wall and so on. Also, if you enjoyed Encanto, you should watch In the Heights (another great story).
THE MESSAGE
My main criticism with the film is that the behind the scenes (i.e. the writing, producing, directing processes) could have benefited from Colombian talent for a more authentic portrayal of their culture. It is important to tell stories of all backgrounds and diversities because it displays there is beauty in all life. Latin American stories shouldn’t be exclusively about people’s struggles and suffering. Despite this being a reality for some, it is not the only story that our cultures have to offer. Plus, it opens doors for new stories never before told and provides more opportunities. I remember growing up watching and loving Disney movies. However, I never truly identified or felt seen by the characters as they represented specific archetypes. Nonetheless, movies like Encanto highlight aspects that we rarely get to see on the big screen. It is nice to see videos of children and young adults on TikTok looking at this movie and seeing themselves represented. It tells me that we have a long way to go in terms of representation.