Soul is the latest feature from Pixar/Disney productions. There was another film that came out this year titled Onward, but I never found the time to watch it. After hearing the reception from both my peers and critics, it was clear that I was to check this out, and I’m so glad I did, because this was truly something special.
The IMDB synopsis for this film is as follows: “A musician who has lost his passion for music is transported out of his body and must find his way back with the help of an infant soul learning about herself.”
There are some elements of this that feel similar to Inside Out, and people have already made comparisons, however the narrative and emotional impact feels much different. Soul examines the human condition and existentialism in such a unique way. More conceptual than some of Pixar’s films as of yet. Instead of telling you, it shows you. It treats the audience like adults, and it respects our intelligence. Even though we don’t know much about Joe or 22, throughout this journey we begin to learn about them, and what they represent. The You Seminar is this strange, vast, and dream like dimension, that is a center for souls before they a transported into a newborn child.
Jamie Foxx voices Joe Gardner, and he does an excellent job at giving us someone we can get behind and support, while being charming and lovable in his own way. Tina Fey voices 22, and her character delivers a decent amount of the laughs and gags, and her relationship between Joe is very touching.
Soul is a beautiful celebration of music, life, passion, and purpose. A visually stunning piece of work, with memorable characters, assured direction, and a heartwarming message.
Cedric Cinema 