Why do some people find Encanto confusing and without a plot?
Why do some people find Encanto confusing and without a plot?
Well, as someone who’s watched the movie on repeat since it was released on Disney+ and also bought the novelization of the movie, I want to blame the idea of movies having to have a clear cut villain or evil that has to be defeated. I mean, even in the first Toy Story, it was clear that Woody was having difficulties with a new toy and it was his ego in the way. But what makes Encanto’s storyline seem so unclear?
It is all needed
Firstly, all of Encanto has to be paid attention to, not just the dialogue. This includes paying attention to what each song is saying and implying as well as the visual. For example, Mirabel introduces her family without saying a word about herself. The whole song just seems like a fun way to get all the characters’ names out in the open and explain the familia connection. But, what is also added to this song is the visual clues of what will be issues in the second generation of Madrigals as well as the issues that the first generation has hidden in plain sight as these issues are what all the magical Madrigals have to do to “earn” their gifts. Each person is shown doing something with their gift that is helping the community in some way.
In addition to that, the major lyrical clue that pinpoints the major issue of the whole movie as well as the conflict of the movie comes during Abuela Alma’s part. “But work and dedication will keep the miracle burning/ And each new generation must keep the miracle burning.” The family has to prove that they deserve to have these gifts. But, not only do they have to prove that they earned their gift, but also each new Madrigal child is burdened with keeping up this legacy.
The song also introduces the conflict the sisters have internally and externally . The obvious conflict between the eldest sister, Isabela, and the youngest, Mirabel, is heard when Isa is called the golden child by Mirabel. But, listen closely to how each older sister is introduced. Isabela is called out with such reverence and worship. This later is pointed out as the pressure Isabela feels to do everything perfect and pretty as everyone expects of her. Then comes the chanting of Luisa’s name. This can be seen as someone chanting her name like people do for a champion or for a favorite actor. But, the way its chanted in the song can also be noted as how the villagers are constantly calling out her name to help them out in some way. Luisa’s later song “Surface Pressure” points out that she feels like the defender of the family and protector of the village. The pressure to not falter or fail is constantly worrying her and suffocates her at times.
All this is packed into one fast paced song, which leaves people bopping to certain things, but not getting all of the information that is being dropped in the song. The same can be said for “Surface Pressure”, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno”, or even “What Else Can I Do?”. Certain parts of the songs are heard, but not all of it is applied to the plot. Not to mention the visuals of each song that adds to what each person is trying to convey to the audience.
Lack of a Proper Villain
Secondly, there is no actual villain. As noted before, even Toy Story has a villain that the audience can focus on. Yet, Encanto is more about the relationship of family members being the center of the movie instead of the B-plot like in “The Mitchells vs the Machines.” This can cause movie watchers to try to figure out what is the point of the movie with the whole house falling apart as a confusing mess of things. Yet, the house is noted to be part of the family and it’s cracking a dangerous thing as this shows the cracks in the family bond to one another. The cracks start being more apparent when Bruno leaves the family’s sight in order to protect Mirabel from the family scorn. The movie does have an antagonist in Abuela Alma, but even then, there is a sense of sadness as you learn her backstory. Also, you don’t spend so much time actually seeing Alma interact with the family, so her expectations aren't blatantly out in front of the movie watcher to see. This can make Isabela’s song seem out of nowhere as all a moviegoer sees is Isabela being harsh with Mirabel and then she makes a cactus plant and starts singing about what else can she do. While there are clues littered in the movie that Isabel feels pressured into being perfect, first time watchers may not caught them at all.
A Slice of Life
Thirdly, the movie is more of a slice of life than a hero’s journey. For those that read manga or watch anime, the slice of life genre is common and often enjoyable if you know that you are reading it. However, for those unfamiliar with the slice of life genre, it is a genre that deals with the everyday lives of characters. Much like our daily lives are filled with things that are big to us, but overall are just a part of life. While the house cracking and the magic of the family being in danger are all serious matters, the reason behind the problems are more personal and intimate. As pointed out before, the major villain isn’t an external force, but an internal struggle of expectation and wanting to impress the matriarch of the family. This leads the movie to be more about character driven than plot driven, which feels a bit much at times upon first watch.
Disjointed and Rushed Ending
Lastly, the ending feels rushed and disjointed. While earlier I defend Encanto’s plot by pointing out that all of the movie needs to be taken in to understand what is going on, the ending is a bit too fast. Now, I understand that there are time constraints and the budget of said movie needs to be taken into account. But the last family song at the end tries to sum up over an hour worth of movie and family conflict with a few lines and a montage that doesn’t do the ending of the story justice. As pointed out on the Encanto reddit forms, Bruno just forgives everyone? Also, Abuela Alma says two lines and years of trauma is forgiven? In addition to that, what about Mirabel? Yes they have that lovely family lineup that she didn’t get when she was five, but she’s okay with everyone? Now, I understand novelizations are not 100% the movie, I will point out that the end of the novel did the a better job of wrapping up the story. Yes, the family line was great and the house/ gifts returning is great, but having Mirabel end the movie like she started the movie? Well, that would be amazing. She can explain a bit that they aren’t their gifts, their gift is their family.
Overall, Encanto is a delightful vision of a movie for the whole family. Many Latinos, especially of Colombian descent, will enjoy the use of color in not only the fashion, but in the traditional designs and depictions of a South American village. Despite the confusion that may arise on first viewing of certain things, Disney has created a space for discussions of family openness, communication, and understanding to be dived into.
