- Director: Jared Bush and Byron Howard
- Year: 2021
Overview
Deep in the mountains of Colombia, the Madrigal family lives in an enchanted house called the Encanto. A magical candle grants every child in the family a unique power on their fifth birthday, but Mirabel Madrigal doesn't receive one. Despite having no magic, she tries to support her community. When Mirabel discovers that the magic candle is flickering and the house is cracking, she realizes she is the only one who can save the family's source of power. She investigates the mystery, digging into family secrets and confronting her grandmother, Alma, to repair the fractured bonds before the magic fades completely.
Takeaways
The Madrigal family feels like they constantly have to prove their worth to the community through their magical talents. Abuela Alma runs things with a strict focus on duty, expecting everyone to use their gifts for the town's benefit. This pressure takes a toll on the family, forcing them to hide their struggles. The cracks in the house show the strain the family is under. Since Mirabel doesn't have a gift, she is the only one who can see the real issues. The magic is saved not by working harder, but by letting go of expectations and loving each other for who they are.