Soul (2020 film)

Soul (2020 film) poster

Soul (2020) is an American computer-animated fantasy film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Directed by Pete Docter and co-directed by Kemp Powers, the film centers on Joe Gardner, a middle school music teacher who has a passion for jazz music. After a successful audition at the Half Note Club, he suddenly has an accident that separates his soul from his body and transports him to the "You Seminar," a center in which souls develop and gain passions before being transported to a newborn child. Joe must work with soul 22, who has never understood the appeal of the human experience, to return to Earth before it's too late.

Plot

Joe Gardner, voiced by Jamie Foxx, is a middle school band teacher whose life hasn't quite gone the way he expected. His true passion is playing jazz, and he's good. But when he travels to another realm to help someone find their passion, he soon discovers what it means to have soul.

Production

The development of Soul began in 2016 by director Pete Docter, who sought to create a film that explored the origins of human personalities and the concept of determinism. The film's animation was noted for its distinctive style, which aimed to capture the essence of New York City and the ethereal nature of the film's "soul" world. The jazz compositions and arrangements were created by musician Jon Batiste, while Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross composed the film's original score.

Release

Soul premiered at the London Film Festival on October 11, 2020, and was released in the United States on December 25, 2020, on Disney+, marking it as Pixar's first film to debut exclusively on the streaming service due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Reception

Soul received critical acclaim for its animation, story, voice acting, and music. Critics praised its mature themes and the way it explores topics such as passion, purpose, and the meaning of life. The film won two Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score, among other accolades.

Themes

The film delves into existential themes, including the meaning of life, the search for passion, and what it truly means to have a soul. Through Joe's journey, Soul examines the small moments that make life worth living, beyond one's achievements or failures.