I am an enormous fan of Disney and Pixar to the point where it is probably a problem, so I was ecstatic when I learned about their new film Soul. Being isolated in my home for the holidays, I locked my family in the living room to watch what I expected to be a masterpiece, and what I saw was not far from it. 

Soul follows Joe Gardner (Jamie Foxx), a middle school band teacher and aspiring jazz musician, after a near-death experience where he is transported to the afterlife. In order to return home, Joe must help a reluctant soul named 22 (Tina Fey) discover a “spark” that will grant her passage to Earth. This task proves challenging and results in several mishaps and obstacles for the characters, including Joe’s misinterpretation of a “spark” being one’s life purpose. Their entertaining expedition concludes with Joe’s realizations of life and how best to live it, forming Soul into one of Pixar’s most thought-provoking films. 

The lessons Joe learns are the most memorable parts of the movie. The film reflects on how we should enjoy the small things, such as the beauties of nature, and not get caught up in the stressful events. Life is often taken for granted, and Soul successfully displays that truth and how taking time to understand the privileges life brings is often more important than fulfilling any dream. 

I sincerely adored the film, and I think it is some of Pixar’s best work. The accompaniment of the flattering animation and influential jazz music brought the movie to life and elevated the emotional journey. Perfect for both children and adults, Soul discusses the existential topics of life and death in a way everyone can understand and relate to in some form. The message will stick with you long after you watch it, and it will make you think differently about your own life decisions. 

Soul may not be my favorite Pixar film (The Good Dinosaur takes that spot), but it is certainly an excellent representation of the masterful capabilities of the animation studio. Soul came out on December 25, 2020 and is available to watch now on the streaming platform Disney+.