Disney’s Encanto Speaks to the Complexities of Hispanic Families
Disney
Disney’s Encanto expresses the special tight-knit connection in hispanic families.
December 7, 2021
Encanto is charming in classic Disney movie fashion; it has a staple childlike wonder with underlying, grounded purpose that appeals to most everyone. But this movie has an air of something more touching- especially for the hispanic community.
Everyone in the Madrigal family is blessed with a power, such as Isabella’s ability to make flowers bloom and Luisa’s gift of strength. Except, Mirabel doesn’t have a gift. In an effort to establish her place in the family and in response to signs of dwindling magic, Mirabel decides to find a way to save their Encanto (their magic).
While tangible enthusiasm is present in every Disney movie without fail, Encanto takes it to another level. The lively animation of the casita and the Madrigals’ gifts has the practical role of establishing these as important elements of the story, but also adds to the charm of the film.
However, the kinetics of the movie doesn’t stop at the visuals – the most engaging and dynamic part of the movie is the music. Lin Manuel Miranda’s #1 charting Latin tune, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” is an undeniable earworm – doing the impossible by passing Disney’s “Let It Go” in popularity. Miranda wrote the song sounding a little bit off beat, both contributing to the animated feeling of the song and allowing it to culminate into a powerful climax that weaves together each character’s part.
“We Don’t Talk About Bruno” will likely be the most immortalizing feature of this movie, but it wasn’t submitted for a golden globe. Instead, the song “Dos Oruguitas” was nominated for the Golden Globe Award of Best Original Song, though ultimately lost to No Time to Die by Billie Eilish and FINNEAS.
“Dos Oruguitas” is a stark contrast to the bubbly, energetic pulse of the rest of the movie. For the first time in the film, the mood is subdued.
The song itself sounds familiar, like a song that I would have heard my own abuelita hum next to me while we prepare dinner for our family. Familiar, and yet delicately personal.
We get a superficial view of Abuela’s story of the origins of their Encanto at the beginning of the movie – but here, nearing the end of it, she unravels the layers hiding the depth of her emotions. She betrays vulnerability, which is uncharacteristic for her.
Encanto doesn’t portray Hispanic families as idyllic. There are patterns of pain particular to the Hispanic community – Abuelita losing her home and husband is a story familiar to many Latinx individuals. Multigenerational trauma is not uncommon and often is only addressed in the form of pressure: the pressure to remedy sacrifice and loss by earning the privilege each of us received as a result. Encanto sends the powerful message that the special close-knit familial love in every hispanic family shouldn’t be a cause for extra pressure, but a reason to celebrate each other.
