shadetreeinc.com – Released in December 2020 by Pixar Animation Studios and directed by Pete Docter, Soul is a profound and visually stunning exploration of the existential questions we all grapple with in life. With its rich, thought-provoking narrative and emotionally charged themes, Soul takes viewers on a metaphysical journey that goes beyond traditional animated films, offering deep reflections on life, purpose, and the human experience. Set against the backdrop of jazz music and set in a world where souls and personalities are formed, Soul invites audiences of all ages to ponder the meaning of existence and the true nature of happiness.
With its release during a tumultuous year filled with uncertainty due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Soul resonated deeply with many people. The film touches on the universal quest for fulfillment, self-identity, and the search for purpose in life. Through its memorable characters, exceptional animation, and stirring music, Soul delivers a cinematic experience that leaves viewers not only entertained but also introspective and moved.
This article takes an in-depth look at Soul, examining its plot, key themes, character development, and the impact of the film on viewers’ perspectives on life and purpose.
Plot Summary: A Journey Through Life and the Great Beyond
The Life of Joe Gardner
The film introduces Joe Gardner (voiced by Jamie Foxx), a middle-aged middle school band teacher who has a passion for jazz music. Despite his love for jazz, Joe feels frustrated with his life, believing that he is not living up to his full potential. He dreams of becoming a professional jazz pianist, but his career aspirations have been on hold as he spends most of his days teaching students who aren’t as enthusiastic about music as he is.
Joe’s life takes an unexpected turn when he lands an opportunity to audition with a renowned jazz musician, Dorothea Williams (voiced by Angela Bassett). He’s thrilled, seeing this as his big break. However, just as he is about to realize his dream, tragedy strikes—Joe accidentally falls into a manhole and dies.
In the afterlife, Joe finds himself in a place known as the “Great Before,” where souls are prepared for their earthly lives. This is where souls are given personalities, interests, and dreams before they embark on their human journeys. Joe is quickly introduced to this unfamiliar world, where he encounters the highly-organized and bureaucratic structure of soul development.
Meeting 22: The Soul Who Doesn’t Want to Live
At the Great Before, Joe encounters 22 (voiced by Tina Fey), a young, rebellious soul who has never wanted to go to Earth. 22 has been waiting for centuries to find her “spark” (the thing that gives her purpose), but she has resisted every attempt to be inspired by mentors like Aristotle, Abraham Lincoln, and even Mother Teresa. She dismisses the idea that life on Earth is worth pursuing, believing that existence is not worth the trouble.
Joe, however, is desperate to return to Earth and fulfill his dream of playing jazz. Seeing an opportunity to escape the afterlife, Joe convinces 22 that they can work together to get him back to Earth. However, things do not go as planned, and an accident causes 22’s soul to be sent to Earth in Joe’s body while Joe ends up in the body of a therapy cat named Mr. Mittens. The two must now work together to find a way to restore their respective places in the afterlife.
Exploring the Human Experience: A Lesson in Life
As Joe navigates life in the body of a cat, he learns valuable lessons about life, purpose, and fulfillment. Through his interactions with 22, Joe comes to realize that life isn’t just about achieving dreams or finding one’s purpose in an external sense. While 22 is eager to understand what makes life worth living, Joe discovers that his own life has already been filled with meaningful experiences, even though they might not have always felt momentous.
On the other hand, 22, who has lived for centuries without understanding what makes life worth living, begins to appreciate the beauty of everyday experiences. From the warmth of the sun on her face to the joy of listening to music or eating a simple slice of pizza, 22 begins to understand that the little moments of life can be just as meaningful as grand accomplishments. Over time, 22 learns that living is not simply about reaching a destination or fulfilling an external purpose—it’s about being present in the moment and embracing the fullness of life, both the good and the bad.
The Big Decision: Letting Go and Finding Peace
As the film reaches its emotional climax, Joe and 22 must confront their deeper fears and desires. Joe is given the opportunity to return to Earth, but he must make a choice—does he continue chasing his dream of playing jazz, or does he let go of his preconceived notions of success and learn to live a more fulfilled life, appreciating the beauty in the ordinary moments?
In the final act of the film, Joe learns that life is not just about achieving personal goals or waiting for an ideal moment to find meaning. Instead, it’s about accepting the present and embracing the totality of the human experience—both the mundane and the extraordinary. For 22, the journey is about finally understanding that life on Earth is not something to fear, but something to cherish. Her “spark” is not a single defining trait or purpose, but rather the culmination of the joy and beauty she finds in living.
By the end of the film, both Joe and 22 have undergone significant transformations. Joe learns that his life has always had purpose, and it is not tied to a single dream or goal. For 22, the discovery of life’s simple pleasures—whether it’s walking through a park, savoring a meal, or listening to music—provides her with a deeper understanding of what it means to live.
Themes and Messages: Life, Purpose, and Self-Discovery
The Meaning of Life: It’s About the Journey, Not the Destination
The central theme of Soul revolves around the meaning of life and the importance of living authentically. Joe, at the beginning of the film, is fixated on the idea that his life will only have meaning if he becomes a successful jazz musician. For him, success is equated with achieving his long-sought-after dream. However, throughout the course of the film, Joe learns that life is not solely about reaching a particular destination or achieving a specific goal. Instead, life’s meaning is found in the journey itself, in the small moments, and in the connections we make with others.
The film challenges the idea of “big dreams” and the societal pressures to have one’s life “figured out.” By highlighting the small, ordinary moments that bring joy, Soul teaches that life is a collection of fleeting, precious experiences. Whether it’s having a deep conversation with a friend or enjoying a walk in the park, these simple pleasures are what truly make life worth living.
The Importance of Being Present
Another major theme in Soul is the importance of being present in the moment. Throughout the film, Joe is so consumed by the idea of achieving his dream that he neglects the beauty and meaning in the life he is already living. Through his experiences with 22, Joe begins to see the joy that can be found in the present, even in the midst of everyday routine.
The film encourages viewers to be present, to slow down, and to appreciate the world around them. By focusing too much on the future or on specific achievements, we often miss out on the richness of life in the here and now. Whether it’s enjoying the feel of sunlight on your skin or listening to your favorite song, these moments hold their own kind of magic.
Self-Discovery and Personal Growth
In Soul, the characters’ journeys are rooted in self-discovery and personal growth. Joe’s transformation from an ambitious, career-focused individual to someone who understands the value of life’s everyday moments serves as a powerful message about the importance of self-reflection and growth. Similarly, 22’s journey from a reluctant and cynical soul to someone who understands the value of life on Earth showcases the transformative power of embracing change.
The film also speaks to the idea that identity and purpose are fluid concepts. Joe and 22 both realize that their previous conceptions of who they were or what they needed to be were limiting, and by embracing new perspectives, they find a more meaningful sense of fulfillment.
The Role of Jazz and Music as a Reflection of Life
Music plays a central role in Soul, not just as a backdrop to the narrative but as a symbolic representation of the themes of the film. Joe’s love for jazz serves as both his driving force and a metaphor for living authentically. Jazz, as a genre, is known for its improvisation and fluidity, making it an ideal symbol for the unpredictable nature of life. Just as jazz musicians create music on the fly, improvising and reacting to their environment, Joe learns that life itself is about improvisation—adapting, flowing, and responding to the world around you rather than following a rigid script.
The music in Soul is not just a reflection of Joe’s personal journey but also represents the broader theme of finding harmony within the chaos of life. Composer Jon Batiste’s original score, combined with the jazz influences and soul music, infuses the film with a sense of rhythm that mirrors the pacing of life itself.
Conclusion: A Life-Affirming Film with a Powerful Message
Soul is a profound exploration of the human experience, a journey that encourages viewers to reflect on their own lives, relationships, and dreams. Through its stunning animation, deeply resonant characters, and uplifting soundtrack, Soul provides a fresh and introspective take on the quest for meaning and purpose. The film’s message—that life’s true meaning is not found in achieving personal goals or fulfilling dreams but in embracing the present and appreciating the small moments—resonates on a deeply personal level with audiences of all ages.
By blending philosophical themes with emotional storytelling, Soul serves as a reminder that the real magic of life is in the everyday moments we often overlook. Ultimately, Soul invites us all to embrace our own unique journey and to live life fully, without the need for external validation or grandiose achievements. Through the film’s touching narrative and heartwarming conclusion, it leaves viewers with an uplifting message: life is beautiful not because of our big accomplishments, but because of the quiet, meaningful moments we experience along the way.