Soul (2020 film)

Soul (2020 film)
Name	Soul
Caption	Theatrical release poster
Director	Pete Docter
Producer	Dana Murray
Writer	Pete Docter, Mike Jones, Kemp Powers
Starring	Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Graham Norton, Rachel House, Alice Braga, Richard Ayoade, Phylicia Rashad, Donnell Rawlings, Questlove, Angela Bassett
Music	Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, Jon Batiste
Cinematography	Matt Aspbury, Ian Megibben
Editing	Kevin Nolting
Studio	Walt Disney Pictures, Pixar Animation Studios
Distributor	Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
Released	2020, 10, 11, BFI London Film Festival, 2020, 12, 25, United States
Runtime	100 minutes
Country	United States
Language	English
Budget	$150 million
Gross	$121.7 million

Soul (2020 film) is an 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 follows Joe Gardner, a middle school music teacher whose soul is separated from his body after an accident, leading him on an existential journey. Featuring a voice cast led by Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey, the film explores profound themes of purpose, passion, and the meaning of life through its innovative animation and jazz-infused score.

Plot

Joe Gardner, a passionate jazz pianist and part-time teacher in New York City, finally lands a gig with renowned saxophonist Dorothea Williams. After a celebratory walk, he falls into a manhole, and his soul awakens in the "Great Before," a realm where new souls develop personalities before going to Earth. Mistaken for a mentor, Joe is assigned to help 22, a cynical soul who has avoided life for millennia. To return to his body before his big performance, Joe and 22 travel to Earth, but a mishap sends 22 into Joe's body and Joe into the body of a therapy cat. They navigate the streets of New York City, with 22 experiencing life's simple joys through Joe's body, while Joe desperately tries to correct the switch before midnight.

Voice cast

* Jamie Foxx as Joe Gardner, a dedicated music teacher and aspiring jazz pianist. * Tina Fey as 22, a stubborn, millennia-old soul resistant to living on Earth. * Graham Norton as Moonwind, a mystical sign-twirling soul who helps lost spirits. * Rachel House as Terry, an obsessive cosmic accountant who tracks souls. * Alice Braga and Richard Ayoade as the Counselors, spiritual guides in the Great Before. * Phylicia Rashad as Libba Gardner, Joe's pragmatic mother. * Donnell Rawlings as Dez, the owner of a local barbershop. * Questlove as Curley, the drummer in Dorothea Williams's band. * Angela Bassett as Dorothea Williams, a legendary jazz saxophonist.

Production

Development began in 2016, with Pete Docter drawing inspiration from his own son's emerging personality. The film's metaphysical concepts were refined with input from philosophers and religious leaders, including Buddhist monks and Jewish rabbis. Kemp Powers, who joined as co-writer and co-director, infused the story with authentic elements of African American culture and the New York City jazz scene. Animation for the Great Before utilized novel, non-physical designs, while the Earth sequences employed advanced lighting techniques to replicate real-world environments. The score blends original jazz compositions by Jon Batiste with an ethereal, electronic soundtrack by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross.

Themes

The film explores existential questions about purpose, passion, and what makes life worth living. It contrasts the pursuit of a singular "spark," often mistaken for a life's purpose, with the appreciation of everyday experiences. Through 22's journey, the narrative argues that meaning is found not in grand achievements but in simple moments of connection, beauty, and joy, such as tasting pizza, seeing a maple seed helicopter down, or feeling the sun on one's face. The story also examines the African American experience through Joe's passion for jazz, a historically Black art form born from improvisation and resilience.

Release

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the film's theatrical release was canceled. It premiered at the BFI London Film Festival on October 11, 2020, and was subsequently released directly on the Disney+ streaming service in most countries on December 25, 2020. In territories without Disney+, including China and South Korea, it received a theatrical release through Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures.

Reception

Critics praised the film for its profound philosophical depth, sophisticated animation, and emotional resonance. Reviewers from The New York Times and The Guardian highlighted its mature treatment of life and death, while others commended its representation and authentic depiction of jazz music. Some criticism focused on the complexity of its metaphysical rules. The film holds a high approval rating on Rotten Tomatoes and Metacritic, indicating widespread critical acclaim. It performed strongly on Disney+, reportedly driving significant subscriber engagement upon its debut.

Accolades

*Soul''' won two Academy Awards: Best Animated Feature and Best Original Score for Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, and Jon Batiste. *It received the Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature Film and the BAFTA Award for Best Animated Film. *The film also earned numerous critics' awards, including top honors from the Annie Awards, National Board of Review, and Los Angeles Film Critics Association. Category:2020 animated films Category:Pixar films Category:American animated films Category:Disney animated films