Its been long...too long. 2020 was nothing like any of us expected and on top of all the other trials and tribulations, its meant a 1 year hiatus from the cinema halls and watching the latest and the greatest. As we herald the dawn of a new year and hopefully a sign of better things to come - the wonderful folks at Pixar have been hard at work, and its a joy to say that 2021 starts with an offering that would truly touch your soul.
I thought Inside Out - was the height of ambition. To imagine a movie that takes place entirely inside a human head and bring out such emotions (pun totally intended) and such depth in its message was brilliant in and of itself. Soul, is on an entirely different plane and is clearly an indicator of how deep and insightful Pixar is willing and looking to get. It also shows just how close to the edge, they are willing to walk. Even if the result can be a little messier than would've hoped for.
I think I can say it quite firmly - Pixar doesn't make movies for kids anymore. I mean, they can watch it, the visuals are cute, there are a few funny lines and scenes here and there - but to truly appreciate their art and their craft, you need to be a bit grown up. You need to understand the nuances, the understated commentary, the quiet messages and once you do, you simply doff your hat and applaud. Also, you spend a good amount of time, doing some of your own soul-searching, long after the credits roll.
Soul could've been funnier. If I was to be absolutely critical, I'd certainly call that out. Pixar's earlier offerings have had you roaring with laughter, genuinely clever lines and side characters that brought out more than a chuckle or two. However, for Soul its all about the story its trying to tell. It picks such themes that its a wonder it wasn't more somber a watch. Within its runtime it manages to touch on concepts like life and death, passion and purpose, talent and spark, peer pressure, the burden of societal expectations and a whole lot more. All this while maintaining a sense of lightness and gait. Such concepts can be extremely tricky - its a tightrope walk for the entire 100 odd minutes, each moment threatening to teeter into either empty and obvious rhetoric on the one side or absolutely metaphysical and metaphorical on the other - but Soul manages to maintain the balance.
Jamie Fox does a credible job with his protagonist Joe Gardner while Tina Fey, now a past veteran in voicing animation, brings life to '22'. Why it had to feature a predominantly Black cast, I don't know. Its not like the story particularly demands it. But that's how it is set up. Soul isn't one for fun, repeat watching. Yet, if you want to do it justice - you need to give it more than one watch, for all that is said, there is so much more that is implied - that you don't catch it all in the first run through.
I saw Tenet, pretty much wish I hadn't - for the record, all the playing around with time is getting a bit much now Mr Nolan and for all its talk, Wonder Woman 84 is an absolute letdown after the shining moments of its original outing. Soul, then - is your best reason to light up the screen once more - and reflect on your own meaning of life. Even more relevant, in these times where things have slowed down just that wee bit and we all (hopefully) have a greater appreciation of this life that we've been given.
I am not recommending theater visits for all the obvious reasons, but Soul deserves to be seen in absolute peace, in as immersive an experience as possible. Hoping 2021 brings more such gems and bright lights for us.
