Enchanted by Encanto

Aidan Tracy, Reporter

Disney’s Encanto has taken the world by storm since its release on November 24th and received even more attention when it was released on Disney Plus on December 24th. By now, you must have heard the song, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” or even, “Surface Pressure” both being popular features in the movie. “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” has reached number one on the Billboard Top 100, as well as earning Lin Manuel Miranda, the composer of the movie, an Oscar nomination for “Dos Orugitas,” the category is “Best Song.” The music, visuals, storytelling, and characters are all well portrayed and have been applauded by many, but one thing that stood out that differentiates this movie from others is the meaning behind it, that being generational trauma.

Encanto is a movie that takes place in a paradise-like town in Colombia. That’s where we meet our protagonist, Mirabel. She lives in a family where every member of the Madrigals is gifted with a superpower. This power is caused by when Abuela and Abuelo Madrigal were fleeing from colonizers in their city, having Abuelo sacrificing himself for Abuela and their three kids, leaving her alone. This was the reason for the miracle, to bring new hope to their family after a great loss Abuela faced. Her kids, as well as her kid’s kids all, grew up to gain powers, besides for Mirabel. She has always been treated as a burden due to her lack of powers, specifically by her Abuela. 

Throughout the movie, we both see from Mirabel’s perspective as well as her family’s how much stress is placed upon them by their Abuela, deeply affecting their behavior as well. Mirabel’s sisters, Luisa and Isabella both expressed to Mirabel how they aren’t able to be their true selves due to Abuela’s treatment. Encanto’s message may be somewhat difficult to determine to some, but it’s clear to many that the movie has the issue of generational trauma, specifically in a Hispanic household. This topic has truly never been expressed in a Disney movie, and it is good to see that a serious issue that’s not talked about in many forms of media is being represented.