Soul is a 2020 American computer-animated fantasy comedy-drama film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures. Directed by Pete Docter and co-directed by Kemp Powers, the film explores themes of purpose, passion, and the essence of life through the story of a middle school music teacher whose near-death experience leads to an unexpected journey of self-discovery. It features the voices of Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Graham Norton, Rachel House, and others.

^{Joe Gardner and 22 - GIPHY}

Characters

• Joe Gardner: A middle school music teacher who dreams of becoming a professional jazz musician. Voiced by Jamie Foxx.
• 22: A skeptical and reluctant soul who learns to appreciate life through her experiences with Joe. Voiced by Tina Fey.
• Moonwind: A spiritual guide who helps lost souls find their way, encountered in "the zone." Voiced by Graham Norton.
• Terry: An officious and meticulous accountant tasked with maintaining the count of souls in the Great Beyond. Voiced by Rachel House.
• The Jerrys: Benevolent and whimsical counselors who oversee the Great Before, shaping the personalities of unborn souls. Voiced by Alice Braga and Richard Ayoade.
• Libba Gardner: Joe's practical and protective mother who runs a seamstress business. Voiced by Phylicia Rashad.
• Dez: Joe's insightful barber who offers wisdom and support during their conversations. Voiced by Donnell Rawlings.
• Curley: A former student of Joe's who helps him secure the audition with Dorothea Williams. Voiced by Questlove.
• Dorothea Williams: A renowned jazz musician and leader of a prestigious band. Voiced by Angela Bassett.
• Melba: Joe's supportive neighbor, a minor but warm presence in his life. Voiced by Margo Hall.

^{Disney and Pixar’s Soul | Official Trailer | Disney+ - Pixar Official Youtube Channel}

Plot Summary

Joe Gardner, a middle school music teacher in New York City, feels unfulfilled in his life and dreams of a career as a professional jazz musician. His mother, Libba, a seamstress, objects to his aspirations, urging him to prioritize stability. Joe's fortunes seem to change when Curly, a former student, informs him of an opportunity to audition for the band of jazz musician Dorothea Williams. Joe impresses Dorothea with his piano skills and secures the gig, but as he jubilantly heads home, he falls into an open manhole, sending him into a spiritual dimension.

Joe finds himself in the "Great Beyond," a realm for souls transitioning after death. Determined not to die before his big break, Joe escapes to the "Great Before," where unborn souls are prepared for life on Earth. Mistaken for a mentor, Joe is assigned to 22, a cynical soul who has remained in the Great Before for millennia. To help 22 find her "spark," a requirement to enter Earth, Joe agrees to mentor her, hoping to use her completed badge to return to his own body.

Despite numerous failed attempts to ignite 22's spark, the duo's journey takes them to "the zone," a space where passions transport individuals into a euphoric trance but also trap lost souls. Assisted by Moonwind, a spiritual sign twirler, Joe learns his body is in a coma on Earth. An accident during their plan results in 22 inhabiting Joe's body while Joe's soul enters a therapy cat. The mix-up leads to comedic yet poignant adventures as 22 experiences life on Earth for the first time.

Through interactions with Joe's students, friends, and family, 22 discovers enjoyment in small, everyday moments, like music and conversations. A conversation with Joe's mother brings reconciliation and renewed understanding. However, when it becomes clear that 22 has found her spark, conflict arises. Joe's insistence on reclaiming his life leads 22 to doubt her worth and purpose.

Back in the Great Before, Joe learns from a soul counselor that a "spark" does not signify a life's purpose but readiness to live. Realizing his mistake, Joe seeks 22, now a lost soul consumed by doubt. Using mementos collected during her time on Earth, Joe reassures 22 of her readiness. With her badge restored, 22 heads to Earth, with Joe accompanying her until the last moment.

Joe prepares to accept his fate in the Great Beyond, but the Jerrys, impressed by his actions, grant him another chance at life. Joe returns to Earth, intending to approach life with a greater appreciation and sense of purpose.

Themes and Analysis

Soul examines themes such as the nature of purpose, the role of passion in life, and the value of everyday experiences. By presenting the concept of a "spark" as readiness to live rather than a predefined purpose, the film addresses existential questions about what makes life meaningful. Joe's journey highlights the significance of embracing daily moments and finding balance between aspirations and lived experiences.

Production and Reception

Directed by Pete Docter and co-directed by Kemp Powers, the film combines realistic depictions of Earth with abstract representations of the spiritual realms. The design of the Great Before and its characters reflects a blend of imaginative and minimalist aesthetics.

The score, composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, contrasts electronic compositions for the spiritual realms with jazz performances arranged by Jon Batiste for the Earth scenes. This duality emphasizes the film's exploration of contrasting yet interconnected aspects of life.

Released on Disney+ on December 25, 2020, Soul received attention for its approach to complex themes within an animated format. It won the Academy Awards for Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score.

Legacy

Soul is noted for its exploration of philosophical questions and its portrayal of cultural elements such as jazz music and urban life. Its themes and narrative structure have prompted discussions about the meaning of life and the value of ordinary experiences.