"Encanto" (MiraclE): An Animated Marvel
"Encanto," also known as "Miracle," is a 2021 American animated musical fantasy comedy film produced by Walt Disney Animation Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios. Directed and co-written by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, with co-direction by Charise Castro Smith, the film boasts original songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda. The stellar cast includes Stephanie Beatriz, María Cecilia Botero, John Leguizamo, Mauro Castillo, Jessica Darrow, Angie Cepeda, Carolina Gaitán, Diane Guerrero, and Wilmer Valderrama.
The story unfolds in the magical Colombian town of Encanto, where the Madrigal family possesses extraordinary gifts. Each member, except Mirabel Madrigal (Beatriz), is bestowed with unique powers that aid them in serving the community. However, when Mirabel discovers that the magic is fading, she embarks on a quest to uncover the mystery and save her family and their enchanted home.
"Encanto" premiered at the Capitan Theatre in Los Angeles on November 3, 2021, and was theatrically released in the United States and Canada on November 24, spanning 30 days due to COVID-19 considerations. The film grossed over $248 million worldwide against a budget ranging from $120 to $150 million. Its commercial success soared when it premiered on Disney+ on December 24, 2021.
The enchanting soundtrack, featuring songs like "We Don't Talk About Bruno" and "Surface Pressure," topped the charts, with the former dominating the Billboard Hot 100 and the UK Singles Chart for several weeks.
Upon release, "Encanto" received critical acclaim for its storytelling, music, animation, voice acting, emotional depth, and cultural authenticity. It was lauded for its realistic portrayal of magic and intergenerational dynamics. The film garnered various awards, including the Golden Globe for Best Animated Feature Film and the BAFTA Award for Best Animated Film.
Nominated for Best Animated Feature at the 94th Academy Awards, "Encanto" also competed with its original score and the song "Dos Oruguitas" for Best Original Score and Best Original Song, respectively. The film's success lies in its ability to captivate audiences with its magical realism, generational shock, and deep emotional resonance.
Story Summary:
The story of "Encanto" begins with an armed conflict that forces a young couple, Pedro and Alma Madrigal, to flee their village in Colombia with their three children after Pedro's death. Alma has miraculously magical powers, and creates a magical home for the family within a magical world called Encanto.
Half a century later, the family is thriving in Encanto, and each member receives magical "gifts" that are used to serve the villagers. However, Bruno disappears, and Mirabelle is left without a gift. When Mirabelle discovers that the magic is fading, she decides to save him. She returned to Bruno's room, found a secret cave, reassembled the glass pieces depicting her image, and discovered that Bruno was hiding to protect the family.
When Bruno reveals a new vision of Mirabelle, he shatters the magic, destroys the casita, and reveals more secrets. Mirabelle finds a secret passage to Bruno and meets him. As she tries to fix the magic, it breaks again, and the accusations accelerate. Bruno defends Mirabelle, chaos ensues, and as Mirabelle escapes, Alma realizes her responsibility.
After a touching story, Mirabelle reconciles with her family, and magic is restored. The Casita has been rebuilt, a new doorknob has been hung representing the family, and the family has regained the magic of Encanto, and is celebrating again.