Disney discovers ‘Soul’

Haleigh Jawidzik, Staff

With everything that happened in 2020, the film “Soul” embodies a different and eye-opening perspective on the meaning of life.

The Pixar film, which was released on Dec. 25, is directed by Pete Docter and Kemp Powers and available for streaming on Disney+.

‘Soul’ follows the main character Joe Gardner (Jamie Foxx), a middle-school band teacher whose career is starting to take off. His passion is  jazz, but he travels to another realm to help a character named 22  (Tina Fey) find their passion, and he soon discovers what it means to have soul.

He then finds himself in an unearthly dimension where human souls pass through on their way in and out of life. 

This isn’t the first time Pixar has tackled philosophical themes.

One of the main branches of philosophy is metaphysics that refers to the physical universe and ultimate reality. Gardner’s out of body experience is an escape from his own reality and the internal constructs that exist solely within the brain.

According to Good Morning America, a panel comprised of black Pixar employees provided guidance that led to the creation of the film’s internal cultural trust. Director Powers explained why it was vital for black voices to weigh in on all aspects of the film.

“Soul” is more than a movie. It teaches viewers that life isn’t about one’s achievements, career, goals or passions. With everything that happened in 2020, this is a welcomed message.

The film represents an expansion of realism in Pixar and serves as a new chapter in their films while embracing its cultural diversity.