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Pixar's ‘Soul’ on Disney+: 5 reasons why the animated movie voiced by Jamie Foxx is the best film of 2020

‘Soul’ investigates what’s really important in our lives, a question we have all been asking these days

Who doesn't want a little fantasy and magic on Christmas Day? ‘Soul’ is the latest animated comedy-drama by Pixar Animation Studios that will take your breath away. “A new original Pixar film is always a special occasion, and this truly heartwarming and humorous story about human connection and finding one’s place in the world will be a treat for families to enjoy together this holiday season,” Bob Chapek, Chief Executive Officer, The Walt Disney Company had said before the film's release. 

His words hold true indeed! “The world can be an exhausting and frustrating place — but it’s also full of unexpected joys, even in seemingly mundane things,” Academy Award winner Pete Docter, known for his work in ‘Inside Out’ and ‘Up’, said. “‘Soul’ investigates what’s really important in our lives, a question we’re all asking these days. I hope it will bring some humor and fun to people at a time when everyone can surely use that.”

What is the story?

What is it that makes you...YOU? The movie introduces Joe Gardner (voice of Jamie Foxx) — a middle-school band teacher who gets the chance of a lifetime to play at the best jazz club in town. But one small misstep takes him from the streets of New York City to The Great Before — a fantastical place where new souls get their personalities, quirks and interests before they go to Earth.

Determined to return to his life, Joe teams up with a precocious soul, 22 (voice of Tina Fey), who has never understood the appeal of the human experience. As Joe desperately tries to show 22 what’s great about living, he may just discover the answers to some of life’s most important questions. ‘Soul’ is co-directed by ‘One Night in Miami’ fame Kemp Powers and produced by Academy Award nominee Dana Murray. Not just Foxx, it also stars voices of Tina Fey, Questlove, Phylicia Rashad, Daveed Diggs, Richard Ayoade, and Angela Bassett. 

What do fans love about ‘Soul’?

No sooner did it drop on Disney+, fans have been raving about the soulful story and here are five reasons they feel it is the best film of 2020.

Animation

One tweet read, “I laughed and cried and experienced the entire range of emotions one does when an artist like Pete Docter and his team have completely knocked it out of the park. Highest recommendation,” and another said, “The animation, the theme, the plot, the colors, the music, EVERYTHING—dropped when we needed it most. Absolute perfection. They really outdid themselves w this. @PixarSoul.”

Music

“Watching Disney/Pixar’s #SoulMovie and boy, oh boy is it good! As a former music student and a trombone player, this movie means a lot to me! Thank you folks at @Pixar
for making a masterpiece!” one fan said and another posted, “Soul is a gorgeous film. Jamie Foxx is Joe, a jazz pianist & music teacher whose soul gets separated from his body. Themes of looking at oneself and finding your spark are underpinned by poignant messages and a great jazz influenced soundtrack. It's almost therapy." 

Giving credit to the artistes, one Twitter user wrote, "Without these people, the soul of #SoulMovie wouldn’t exist. They should be part of the cast listing instead of buried in the music credits, because their voices are central to the film. Know their names. Support them.” 

Emotions

Talking about how magical it is, one fan said, “I absolutely adored #SoulMovie. Pixar has the ability to just bring out pure magic. The characters, the music, the themes it revolves around. Everything just worked. I am an emotional mess. There is one scene that will stick with me for a while. Seek this one ASAP. Best of 2020."

Cinematography

The movie is a beautiful juxtaposition of life. “We just finished watching #SoulMovie. Wow. Bradford Young worked as a lighting consultant on the film and I was in absolute awe at the cinematography. The music too,” one fan wrote and another said, “Disney+ app doesn't let me screenshot stuff otherwise I'd spam the tl with stills from Soul. My god the cinematography is on another f***ing level.” 

A third wrote, “Love the concepts of “You Seminar” and “Hall of Everything”. Find your spark! Have a life purpose! Get a life mentor. As always great cinematography from Pixar with a truly, truly meaningful message about life. 10/10!”

Unapologetically Black

The movie has particularly appealed to fans with its Black characters. “#SoulMovie is perfect. It's beautifully animated, warmly written, flawlessly voiced, impeccably scored and unapologetically Black. It's an insightful examination of life and purpose, and it exceeded my high expectations. Easily one of Pixar's best and one of 2020's best films,” one fan gleefully posted and another said, “That barbersop scene was authentically black all the way down to the green oil sheen can lol #SoulMovie.”

Where to watch?

Pixar's ‘Soul’ exclusively premieres on Disney+ instead of airing in theaters. You can watch it on the streaming service just in time for Christmas, on Friday, December 25, 2020.

Disney+ is available as part of a bundle offer that gives subscribers access to Disney+, Hulu (ad-supported), and ESPN+. Visit DisneyPlus.com to subscribe and/or learn more about the service.