by Peyton Blumenfeld ‘22

Why do we exist? What is our purpose? What is the meaning of life? are all existential ideas embedded throughout Pixar’s newest animated comedy “Soul.”

Before diving deep into the review, time for a brief crash-course on what existentialism is exactly. In short, it’s a philosophical theory that people are free to choose their own path, and to make their own choices and decisions. Life can have meaning, but only if you choose for it to have one. Absurdism is also a fundamental concept in the theory of existentialism. The word “absurd” to most means that something is preposterous or foolish. But to existentialists, the absurd is a term that describes the conflict people endure when seeking meaning in an essentially meaningless world. The world was created with no purpose, so it exists with no inherent purpose. 

Now back to the film. “Soul” centers on a highschool band teacher, Joe Gardner (Jamie Foxx), as he finally gets his big break performing as a pianist in a jazz band. However, hours before his performance, he falls down a man-hole into another realm, “The Great Before and Beyond,” which is essentially the envisionment of the before- and after-life. He must find his way back home before his performance to prove to everyone and himself that his life has meaning. Along the way, a soul named 22 (Tina Fey), who doesn’t see the point of living on Earth, aids Joe on his journey back. Throughout the course of their trip, Joe comes to a realization that there is no inherent purpose to life, but life’s purpose is to simply live. His reason for living isn’t jazz, but to live life to its fullest potential. 

With most of the movie relating its content to jazz, it’s only necessary that it is filled with a powerful score. Originally produced by Nine Inch Nails members Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, Jon Batiste provided his own jazz compositions to the film as well. The music sets the tone of the movie as, well, soulful. It brings the story to life and renders a delightfully calming mood that balances out the perplexing storyline.

Through its mesmerizing visuals of the souls with blends of colorful pastels and abstract shapes and ideas, the film manages to portray its complexity and ambiguity in a way that both kids and adults will understand. While children may not fully grasp the concept to its intended extent, they will certainly appreciate the underlying message of the film: enjoy the little things in life. 

Grade: A-