"Soul" is another animated win for Pixar
By Ava Bourdeau, Staff Writer
Disney-Pixar’s newest animated film “Soul” hit Disney+ this past December of 2020. Directed by Pixar veteran Pete Doctor, as well as Kemp Powers, the film delivers stunning animation, lovable characters and exciting twists and turns throughout.
The film follows Joe Gardner (voiced by Jamie Foxx), a middle-aged New Yorker faced with the decision between pursuing his dreams of becoming a jazz pianist, or settling for the less exciting, but safer option of working as a junior high band teacher. His less-than-successful music career suddenly takes a turn for the better when he is offered the opportunity to play a gig alongside renowned saxophonist Dorthea WiIliams (Angela Bassett). Unfortunately, what may very well have been one of the greatest days of Joe’s life ends up being his last, as he falls into a manhole and meets his unlucky demise. From there, he is transported to a minimalist pastel world called the Beforeland, filled with blob-shaped souls and abstractly rendered “counselors”. There, he meets a troublesome soul called 22 (Tina Fey), whom he is accidentally assigned to mentor before she is sent down to earth. Together, Joe and 22 set out on an adventure that spans New York City as well as the world of the Afterlife, trying to get Joe’s soul back into his body before what very well may end up being his big break.
The film is steeped in Black American culture, adding much-needed diversity to Pixar's filmography. From dimly-lit jazz clubs to community barbershops, we are taken through incredibly interesting places filled with equally intriguing side characters. Each character and location is crafted with care, given memorable traits and whimsical designs. It’s therefore impossible to avoid getting sucked into the world of “Soul”, as the creators have taken special efforts to make everything feel as real as possible.
This movie certainly meets expectations when it comes to Pixar’s stellar quality of animation. The Beforeland is cast in dreamy blues and purples, and the impressionistic character designs fit the abstract concept of the world. This contrasts strikingly with the kinetic energy of New York. The animators perfectly capture the trademark noise and bustle of the city, rendering everything from the dirty pavement to the no-nonsense pedestrians in stunning detail.
Despite its young target demographic, the film explores adult issues of security and passion, as well as ideas dealing with the afterlife, with stunning complexity. Both Joe’s and 22’s quests for meaning and purpose resemble questions of identity and destiny that keep many of us up at night. Despite the introspective themes, it’s hard not to laugh at the well-timed jokes which appeal to all ages. Overall, “Soul” lives up to the expectations of Pixar animated features, and is a must-watch for music-lovers, deep thinkers and anyone who has ever questioned their true spark.