“Encanto”, a tale about a powerless girl living in a powerful family whose magic is weakening, is Disney Animation’s 60th movie and perfectly depicts how much the company has grown and learned. The movie is magic, from the visuals to the characters. 

“Encanto” is about Mirabel, voiced by Stephanie Beatriz, and her extraordinary family, the Madrigals. They live in Columbia, in a place called the Encanto where every member of the family, besides the abuela and Mirabel, is blessed with a power. 

The abuela was given a magical candle that would never go out in her youth as well as being given the Encanto. The Madrigals have been protecting the Encanto for decades. One day, as their magical house —or casita as they call it in the movie— starts developing cracks and their miracle candle starts flickering, Mirabel frantically looks for a way to fix the family’s magic. 

Colombian culture is integrated so well into the movie, with the clothes and the food. The characters are also all designed to showcase all shades of Colombian people. 

I love when an animated movie uses their film style to their advantage. This is exactly what Encanto does. The visuals during almost every song are complex and flow to the next scene beautifully. The animators of the movie, led by Alberto Abril, knew exactly how to use their animation to their advantage.

What makes this movie feel special is that there is no major antagonist. Most Disney movies have a big antagonist that the main cast has to fight. Encanto has conflict, but more time is focused on flushing out the characters and their environment. 

However, the ending felt a bit predictable, considering there was heavy foreshadowing throughout the movie. However, because this is a kids movie, this is a very small con.

The other nitpick I had about the movie was the lack of excitement in the songs, which were written by Lin Manuel Miranda the creator of “Hamilton.” They were enjoyable enough but did not feel as engaging as I was expecting them to be. The visuals accompanying these songs, however, were absolutely stunning.

Both of Mirabels’ sisters get a song dedicated to their struggles, and because the characters don’t go on a big adventure, the setting is given time and space to develop. You can see how the family connects to each other and how they connect to the community, it makes the movie feel so real. 

I don’t usually rave about Disney movies, but this movie deserves every praise it is receiving. With its compelling characters and plot, Encanto is one of the best Disney movies to date.