Encanto: Where Self Identity and Family Legacies Meet

Lin-Manuel Miranda and Walt Disney Animation Studios team up once again to bring Encanto to the big screen. Filled with catchy songs and tear-jerking stories, Miranda and Disney continue their animated film winning streak. 

By Isabelle Delostrinos
Culture Columnist 

Walt Disney Animation Studios’ newest film, Encanto, is a tale about the struggles of self-identity among the pressures of an extraordinary family. Set in Colombia, Encanto follows the Madrigals and the legacy they hold. Helping keep the town alive for future generations, the Madrigals are the foundation of their small town due to the Encanto, a miracle of magic from their abuelo. Through their special magical powers and casita, the Madrigals show their service to the town. From Luisa’s super strength to Camilo’s shapeshifting abilities and Dolores’s astonishing hearing skills, each Madrigal is gifted a special attribute. All except Mirabel. When the magic of the Encanto is in jeopardy, Mirabel decides to take matters into her own hands to save the legacy. Will Mirabel, the only ordinary Madrigal, be able to prove her place in her family’s tree?

Lin-Manuel Miranda does it again and adds yet another Walt Disney Animated film to his resume. Similar to Miranda’s award-winning pieces like Moana and Hamilton, Encanto features catchy and admirable songs that can be loved by many. His signature formulation of upbeat, rhythmic instrumentals, combined with singing and rapping, is evident in a number of songs in this film. Even so, many fans on Tik Tok found it bizarre that Miranda was not cast. The creator is also known for playing special roles in his own films such as the piragua guy in In the Heights and Vivo in Vivo. Although Miranda was unable to be heard on the big screen, the chosen cast had an outstanding performance. Brooklyn Nine-Nine star Stephanie Beatriz shows off her vocal talent as the main character, Mirabel Madrigal. She is also supported by Orange Is the New Black star, Diane Guerrero, who plays Isabela Madrigal, and Wilmer Valderrama from That 70’s Show, who plays Agustin Madrigal. 

Encanto is now available to stream anytime and anywhere on Disney+ and in theaters for a limited time.