WARNING: Encanto spoilers ahead!
Disney Pixar is back with another captivating animated film. Encanto is set to become a Disney classic with stunning visuals and fast-paced musical numbers.
With music and songs written by Lin-Manuel Miranda, known for productions such as Hamilton, In the Heights, and Moana, the movie is sure to be a hit with theater fans. However, general audiences were also intrigued by the exciting trailers and intriguing storyline.
The story features Mirabel Madrigal, a girl born to a family blessed with magical powers. Mirabel, unfortunately, did not inherit this gift, and has to fight to find herself and establish her identity throughout the course of the movie.
Mirabel isn’t the only one in her family trying to find themselves. This film is centered around themes of finding balance in dysfunctional families and healing from generational trauma.
Even the Pixar short, Far from the Tree, shown before the movie, features similar themes in a moving and sentimental way that audiences of all ages can understand.
Despite the film’s pedigree and quality, there have been some objections to the pre-release promotion for the movie. Some trailers featured clips from the songs, making it seem as if the characters went on a journey, while the movie actually takes place entirely within the town.
Additionally, some feel that the ending is rushed, as years of trauma are “instantly” forgiven. However, it can be said that while the prior harmful issues are forgiven, they aren’t forgotten, and it’s implied that the family is going to work together to be more loving and supportive towards each other.
But, hey, it’s an animated movie: sticklers for complete realism need not apply.
The musical numbers are used perfectly to convey pent up feelings of resentment or discontent among the family, while also advancing the plot in a way that flows well with the overall storyline.
While all of the songs from the movie are phenomenal, there are certain numbers that outrank the others.
Here’s our Top-Six Countdown for the Encanto soundtrack.
6: All of You
This moving, sentimental song is a wonderful conclusion to the movie. It’s a very satisfying end to the story with Mirabel finally being accepted by her family and her whole family, including their estranged uncle Bruno, coming back together and getting the long-deserved happy ending. However, of all the songs it’s not the most memorable and doesn’t quite have the same energy as the others.
5: Waiting on a Miracle
Similar to “All of You,” this song doesn’t quite fit the high-energy theme of the rest of the movie. In terms of plot, it shows Mirabel’s true emotions about her place in the family and her feelings of being inadequate compared to her relatives. Additionally, while the visuals are gorgeous, they aren’t as captivating as some of the others.
4: The Family Madrigal
A high-tempo, enticing song that introduces the family to the audience, this song has classic Lin-Manuel Miranda written all over it. It brings the audience in and helps immerse them in the movie’s world. However, as most theaters don’t have subtitles, it can be difficult for the audience to understand it all, especially with the fast-paced visuals being shown simultaneously.
3: What Else Can I Do?
Mirabel’s oldest sister, Isabela, sings this moving number about leaving your comfort zone and finding your true potential. In an effort to be perfect, often to satisfy others’ expectations, we often stick to what we know, which is what Isabela does.
2: We Don’t Talk about Bruno
This catchy, up-tempo song explains the backstory of why the family Madrigal refuses to talk about their relative Bruno, who “randomly” disappeared. We later learn that most of what is said in the song is unreliable, and that Bruno is really a quirky, loveable character. This song is perhaps one of the most recognizable from the movie as Encanto fans have been sharing it across social media platforms.
1: Surface Pressure
This song is performed by Luisa Madrigal, Mirabel’s older sister, who feels the pressure of having to carry the burdens of the whole family, both literally and figuratively. The song perfectly describes feeling like you’re never doing enough, so you take on additional pressures, despite being under a crushing weight of stress. The visuals during “Surface Pressure” are gorgeous and incredibly captivating. This song is relatable for many people and is unreasonably catchy—and as such ranks as our #1 song from the film.