Encanto

An animation set in Colombia, and in line with Disney’s stated move to tell more disparate stories, it strongly emphasises Hispanic culture. Once again, the central character is a young girl, but this time not really a Princess. In fact, something of the opposite. Mirabel (voiced by Beatriz) is a member of the prominent Madrigal family, presided over by the grandmother, the Abuela (Botero), with each of her children and grandchildren having special magical gifts. Except Mirabel. She was about to receive her gift but the vision faded. And, here she is, doing a lot of the menial tasks, clashing with her perfect sister, Isabella, and she wears glasses.

There is some edge in the story. At the opening, the Abuela tells the story of how she and her husband fled their home, pursued by men on horseback. Her husband sacrifices himself and she and her children find refuge, along with a magic candle, which enchants the place where they find refuge, mountains, woods, and are welcomed by the townspeople. And their mansion, as well as the place, are enchanted, Encanto.

With story and original music credits, Lin-Manuel Miranda adds his not inconsiderable talents. It’s been a busy year for Miranda with In the Heights and tick… Tick… Boom!, and in Encanto he contributes some of the songs, as well as taking on one of the voice roles.

We spend a lot of the film getting to know the family – and we probably like the big girl in the family whose special gift is that she is able to carry heavy loads. Needless to say she is, literally, put upon at times. This contrasts with the perfect daughter who is to be betrothed to a young man she does not want to be engaged to. Mirabel seems always to get in the mix and causes huge upset at the betrothal dinner, with the prospective family walking out.

The intriguing character is called Bruno (voiced by Leguizamo). We see Bruno’s image on a magic door – and there is a song that everybody sings that they don’t want to talk about Bruno-no-no-no! When we eventually meet him, we discover that he is in hiding in the corridors and attics in the mansion, more than something of a nerd), who is supposed to see visions of what is to happen to the family.

Of course, it all builds up to some adventures for Bruno and Mirabel. The solution is love and reconciliation, between Mirabel and Isabella (and a nice song with dancing for that to be achieved) but also for Abuela to think back to her past (which we see again), questioning her treatment of Mirabel, and a theme of forgiveness. And, fortunately, this being a magical entertainment, love, reconciliation, and the wonderful rebuilding of the mansion means that we all sing along to a happy ending.