Pixar is very well-known for their animation quality and the deep messages the movies convey. Of course, not every creation that comes from Pixar presents a philosophical tractate, but there’s meaning that appeals both to adults and children alike. It also helps us shape our perception of the world, as grand as that may sound.
So, when Pixar announced the release of Soul, the fans waited with bated breath. And for a good reason—the end result once again proves that the famed Pixar Formula is as potent as ever. Soul takes the concept of the meaning of life and turns it into an adventure with the usual Pixar polish, but there’s a twist—this movie might just be more suited for adults than children.
Pixar likes to delve into deep ideas, and Soul pushes the boundary a bit further
Image credits: Pixar / Disney
Hard-hitting ideas are not foreign when it comes to animation. Those who remember the bright and brilliant Coco will be aware that the overall theme of family and its importance was slightly layered with the concept of death and the afterlife. And Soul took it a step further—life is the main thing that’s being examined by the movie.
The movie presents two opposite views on the topic of living
Image credits: Pixar / Disney
What is the true meaning of being alive? Why do we sometimes feel stuck on how to find joy in what we do? And lastly, the question the movie itself asks: “Is all this living really worth dying for?” These are but some of the questions the movie embraces. Two souls, with completely opposite goals, clash over their understanding of what’s most important. One protagonist wishes to go back to the life he had before, and another doesn’t want to start living in the first place.
Image credits: Pixar / Disney
Joe Gardner is a music teacher (and adult!) who feels passion for jazz and finally has an audition to join a band after years of rejections, when the unexpected strikes and he’s transported to the Great Before (where all the souls yet to be born reside).
Image credits: Pixar / Disney
His counterpart is 22, a soul that doesn’t want to go to Earth and live out her days because she has witnessed what’s in store and prefers to stay as she is. The two embark on a journey to find 22’s spark, the one thing that will prove 22 is ready to start living for real.
The two protagonists clash over their preconceptions on what makes existence worth it
Image credits: Pixar / Disney
With the meaning of life as the core concept, the movie presents two seemingly distinct looks at it. 22 doesn’t want to bother with the stuff that comes with being alive, and she would rather continue her aimless existence, while Joe is shown to be a struggling musician who has a goal in mind, but there are hurdles along the way that drag him down.
Image credits: Pixar / Disney
However, despite their apparent differences, both of them are stuck when it comes to actual living. After some shenanigans occur, the duo has to deal with new challenges that put their pre-conceived ideas to the test.
People are speculating whether this is Pixar’s most mature and serious movie yet
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The reasons that make this movie brilliant are the same ones that make it more suitable for grownups. As a child, you probably feel like the entire world is there for the taking. And when you reach adulthood, your views and dreams change according to the circumstances. Soul explores those ideas and the movie’s meaning will resonate better with those who have lived, at least a little, in the real world.
Image credits: Pixar / Disney
The movie also lacks the some of the dramatic flair that can often be seen in animated movies. The artistic style is pastel most of the time, and even the fantastic fantasy of the otherworld is mellow, there are no beasts to battle, and even the fantastic beings are depicted as conceptualized drawings (befitting their nature). The message is put forward front and center, which might be the best thing for the movie of this caliber.
The movie urges people to ask the question “Is all this living really worth dying for?”, a hard-hitting topic that will resonate with adults more than kids
Image credits: Pixar / Disney
Of course, Soul is not the first movie that explores what it means to be alive. But it is innovative for an animated film to delve into the deeper topics that will likely go right over children’s heads. Every animated movie can undoubtedly be viewed from two perspectives, and the old classics like The Lion King leave a different impression on an adult than a child.
But Soul has seemingly tapped into the potential to make a predominantly adult-oriented movie with themes and ideas that reflect the struggle many of us have felt, of finding your place in this world and finally answering the nagging question of whether living really is worth dying for.
And here’s a trailer so you can check the movie out for yourselves
Image credits: Pixar / Disney
People are torn on whether it’s actually a grown up movie, with some saying it’s not for kids while others claim it works and can even teach them on the themes
This is now one of my favorite Pixar movies. It was exceptionally well-done and dealt with death, disappointment, and not being able to see the good in your life. Also, I completely love the score although it might seem a little weird to some people. I would highly recommend it to anyone who hasn't seen it yet!
This is now one of my favorite Pixar movies. It was exceptionally well-done and dealt with death, disappointment, and not being able to see the good in your life. Also, I completely love the score although it might seem a little weird to some people. I would highly recommend it to anyone who hasn't seen it yet!
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