Disney movies are known to be a staple in one’s childhood, and the newly released  “Encanto” is no exception. “Encanto,” which is Spanish for charm, teaches children the value of family and has an amazing soundtrack and incredibly detailed animations that bring each character’s personality to life.

“Encanto” is set in Columbia and stars the Madrigal family. Each member of the family has a unique magical power, which they gain at the age of five. Their powers come from an eternal candle that is used at every ceremony to manifest the Madrigals’ powers. Mirabel, the movie’s protagonist, is the only powerless member of her family, causing her to feel excluded and inferior to her siblings. However, when the candle that controls the family’s powers is in danger, Mirabel comes to the rescue, as she believes that saving the candle will prove her worth to her family.

Meanwhile, the rest of the Madrigal family is struggling under the crushing pressure of their grandmother, whom they call Abuela.  Similar to the Pixar movie “Coco,” Abuela is in control, which takes an immense mental toll on the other members of the family. They try their hardest to please her but to no avail.    

Each Madrigal family member exhibits different abilities based on the power they have, and these powers define the character’s personality. However, it’s apparent that each member of the family feels stuck in these boxes. Both of Mirabel’s older sisters, Isabela and Luisa, sing about their experience with this feeling of being stuck and not knowing how to escape.  

Additionally, the animation and character design in “Encanto” is phenomenal. Each character’s motion seems to be uniquely and carefully curated, with some moving tenderly like a breeze and others in sharp, stark motions. The catchy songs flow in with the animations and make the movie worth watching. Throughout the entirety of the movie, the animation always looks natural and purposeful.

The original soundtrack, which made the Hot Billboard 100, adds emotion and vibrancy to the movie. The songs are catchy and enjoyable for all viewers, not only children. “We Don’t Talk about Bruno” is one of the most addictive songs on the soundtrack and fun to sing along to. 

The costume design in this film was a powerful storytelling device. The outfits are catered to each of the characters, truly giving them a way to stand out. The vibrant colors draw the viewers in and give each character an identity just from merely glancing at them. Everyone in the Madrigal family wears hues of reds, oranges and blues, and their outfits have intricately woven symbols representing their powers. In contrast, certain characters are meant to stay in the shadows, and their outfits therefore consist of darker and richer tones that allow them to do just that. 

All in all, “Encanto” is a great family movie with something for everyone. It’s funny and entertaining for children, while also being filled with deeper lessons about the values in family such as being there for each other, as well as intricate details that bring the story to life.