“Soul” by Disney’s Pixar Animation Studios

The Award-winning film, “Soul,” is available on DVD and streaming on DisneyPlus

Pixar’s animated film, “Soul,” is a whimsical story about an ordinary man. Joe Gardner is a middle-school band teacher obsessed by his desire to be a jazz musician. Joe’s sole wish is to play among the greats, “I could die a happy man if I could play a set with Dorothea Williams.” But on the day he lands that gig of a lifetime, Joe dies. Well, not quite. Joe’s soul seeks a way back into his body, so he can fulfill that lifelong dream. But eventually, Joe comes to learn that his life’s purpose means much more than just music.

While avoiding his destiny into the “Great Beyond,” Joe lands himself in the “Great Before,” where new souls are primed for their descent to earth. There, he meets number 22, a young soul reluctantly forced to discover her unique spark, so she can be born as a human. But 22 is more inclined to stay put rather than uncover whatever sparks her soul. The pair contrive a way to get Joe back to earth through the cracks in the other world. But 22 is prematurely catapulted into life on earth, as well.

Joe tries to convince 22 that life on earth is worth a shot
Credit: Disney Pixar

In a twist of fate, 22’s soul lands inside Joe’s body. Joe observes his own life as a cat from the outside while 22 learns to walk, talk, touch, smell, and taste. It is within the confines of these commonplace moments that occur in everyday life that 22 uncovers her spark. And Joe, in awe at the simplicity of it all, begins to question his own life’s purpose.

In the end, both souls come to realize that their spark is not about having a single ambition or purpose, but rather exists in what Joe calls, “enjoying regular old living.” Kemp Powers, co-writer and co-director of this Pixar Animation Studio film, told NPR, “We were trying to help not just Joe, but the entire audience, understand that it’s not about winners or losers, and that everyone’s life has value. That was really a powerful driving force from the very beginning.”

Interwoven throughout the film is a welcome spotlight on Black American roots, culture, and jazz. “Soul” won the Golden Globe award for best animated picture and the Oscar for best animated feature film in 2020.