Even if you haven’t watched the movie, you’re probably familiar with the lyrics “It looks like rain” or “seven-foot frame.” These lines are one of the works of none other than Lin-Minuel Miranda in the latest Disney animated movie Encanto. From its hype on social media to its recent Golden Globe award, Encanto has proven to be one of Disney’s best animated films- even better than Frozen. 

In Encanto, Disney welcomes its viewers to the fantastical life of the Madrigals, a family who was given a miracle after a tragedy forced them to move from their original home. Along with a living house, each family member was granted magical powers- everyone except the protagonist, Mirabel. 

Critics agree that the movie was one of Disney’s best. The film recently won Best Animated Feature at the 79th Golden Globe Awards and became the first soundtrack album to make Billboard’s Top 200 chart. The fan favorite song “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” was also nominated for an Oscar. Encanto even received a 91% critical score on rotten tomatoes, topping Frozen II’s 78%. 

Fans are crazed over the high quality artistic elements in the movie, from the animation to music. The songs ranged from different music genres based on different musical eras in Columbia, making some pieces like “Dos Oruguitas” tug at your heart strings and others like “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” live in your head rent free. The production designers studied Cartagena, Columbia, where Encanto took place, to replicate its vibrant landscape in the movie. 

What set Encanto apart from other Disney movies was its characters. Mirabel Madrigal was a relatable, inspiring protagonist who believed in her own self worth when others couldn’t see it. Every character was complex with internal struggles and their own character arcs. The story also tackles family trauma which viewers report feeling connected to. 

Like every movie, Encanto has its flaws. For one thing, the plot lacked substance. The stakes didn’t feel high because the conflict was solved in a single musical number. The movie also could have explored deeper into the side characters. Mirabel dove into the internal struggle of her family members and helped them overcome their conflicts. But there were members who weren’t explored which fans long for more of, such as the fan favorite Camilo.  

In spite of the conflicts, Encanto was an enchanting, touching film. Its Columbian audience reports that the movie held accuracy to the life, beauty, and culture from South America, demonstrating Disney’s increased cultural sensitivity and its ever advancing film production. Go see Encanto in theaters or for free on Disney+.