“We Don’t Talk About Bruno” dad. If you have kids and Disney Plus, then you already know what the title of this post is referring to. Yes, Disney has created another hit that falls in line with that of Frozen, Moana and now ENCANTO. If you have no idea what I am talking about or have not yet been forced to hear, see or sing anything Encanto, then you have been warned of any potential spoilers.
Encanto came out on November 24, 2021 in theaters and then premiered on Disney Plus a month later. Since we are still in this “pandemic era”, I am sure you skipped the movie theater for this just for safety. While my kids and I have seen a few movies since the start of Covid, we didn’t get to the theater for this one. Once it hit the streaming service, all gloves were off, and they were hooked.
The premise of “Encanto” is a refreshing one. First off, Encanto is a very colorful film set within Columbia Latin America with characters so beautifully sculpted. Abuela Alma Madrigal has been blessed with a miracle candle that gave refuge to her family after a tragic accident to which she survived with her triplet children: Peppa, Julieta and Bruno. Peppa controls the weather, Julieta can heal people with food and Bruno, well Bruno has visions of the future (but we don’t talk about Bruno). Fifty years pass and some grandkids later, the Madrigals are a respected kindship in town where each member possesses a unique supernatural ability. Let’s meet them shall we.
Yes, you saw that right. Mirabel is the youngest daughter or Julieta who unfortunately did not receive a special gift. While apart of her magical family, she has always felt doubtful of herself within. That is until a threat occurs and the fate of the family lies with the one with no special gift.
In order to save her family and the magic within, Mirabel must learn more about the absent Uncle that is “Bruno” as he may hold the key in restoring the family’s magical essence. “Encanto” knows we have all felt like this and wants to remind us that we all have something extraordinary to offer.
In addition to this, the focus of family and the bond we create is another message I loved from this film. We all make mistakes or choices that hurt someone else, but when all the dust settles we are family. No matter the wounds, we can heal them with a kind word, a little understanding and a lot of love.
While Encanto may be typically described as a light-hearted comedy, it has several meaningful underlying messages. The film sheds light on personal struggles with vulnerability, self-acceptance, and embracing imperfections. Every viewer can relate to Mirabel’s journey of self-discovery that leads to a gratifying ending.
Encanto is an excellent film that can inspire its younger audience to recognize their own gifts and potentials. Overall, the film is full of laughter, adventure, light mystery, music and dance, and loads of entertainment.
Parents be prepared for the soundtrack to be on repeat. If you thought you couldn’t hear “Let it Go” one more time, be ready for the argument to play “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” and several other hits from the movie over, over and over again.
