Welcome to Casa Madrigal – a vibrant, enchanted house in the Colombian countryside that was gifted to family matriarch Abuela Alma (Botero) after she fled political strife with her three newborn babies.
It’s there in this Disney animated movie that young Mirabel (Beatriz) lives with her family, all of whom – like the house itself – have magical powers. While the house can turn stairs into a slide, or communicate by clapping floor tiles and slamming window shutters, the Madrigal family each have their own special talents, too.
Luisa has Hulk-like strength, Mirabel’s mother can literally heal the sick and wounded with her food, Isabela can make flowers bloom and Pepa can control the weather, depending on her mood. And Mirabel….? Well, the young girl is the only one who doesn’t have a special gift – but it turns out that when the magic of the house starts to disappear, she may be the only one who can save it.
Feisty, funny, vulnerable and brave, Miracle is a terrific Disney heroine, and her adventures will remind animation fans of Moana and Brave’s Merida, and she is just as likeable and enjoyable to watch as they both are.
A bright, colourful, beautifully animated movie about family, with lovely messages about acceptance and being yourself, Encanto feels joyous throughout thanks to Beatriz’s upbeat performance and the original songs from Hamilton and Vivo’s Lin-Manuel Miranda.
His ‘The Family Madrigal’ opening number launches you into the Madrigal world and songs including ‘Waiting On A Miracle’, ‘We Don’t Talk About Bruno’ and ‘Surface Pressure’ are memorable and fun.
Simply lovely.
Is Encanto suitable for kids? Here are our parents’ notes...
Very young viewers may be scared by the scenes that show Abuela Alma fleeing shadowy men in a couple of scenes.
Mirabel is also briefly in danger when she explores the ever-expanding rooms of the house, but it is never scary.
SPOILER ALERT: Very little children may be scared by the hooded figure but will soon realise he is harmless (and part of the family)
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