From its colorful characters, stunning jazz score, and surprisingly philosophical messages, Pixar’s Soul has swept up the attention and hearts of families around the country. Released on December 25th, 2020, Soul has been highly acclaimed for its artistry in animation, musical score, and message about life’s purpose.

Soul is the story of Joe Gardner, an aspiring musician and middle school music teacher, and his journey in fulfilling his life’s calling as a jazz pianist. Though he enjoys teaching, Joe dreams of playing professional venues around the country. The day his chance finally comes, an unexpected turn of events leads Joe to the “Great Before,” a place where unborn souls find what gives their life a spark before coming to earth and inhabiting a person. Through meeting a stubborn, unborn soul named 22, Joe realizes what it truly means to be alive.

No matter what one believes in terms of what happens before/afterlife, Soul has a thought-provoking and exciting take on the big question. The exploration of how passions can shape a person’s personality and outlook on the world causes audiences to examine their own point of view, especially during a year when people have more time than ever to try the things they never could before. Even if this message doesn’t resonate with younger viewers, they can still take away the vital lesson of enjoying the simple things in their day.

With its brilliant animations and its deeply moving narrative on living life gratefully and fully, Soul is a fantastic movie to watch for all ages.