Soul (2020) Film Review

With the release of Soul, I can confidently say that Pixar has made me cry more times than any other film production company.

Soul is a beautiful movie about a man named Joe who wants nothing more in life than to be a professional Jazz musician. After getting the opportunity of a lifetime, he does not feel the same way about it and questions his own existence. Joe then, unexpectedly, has an out-of-body experience that allows him to explore answers to many of life's questions about our body, soul, and if we have a purpose in life. Along with his new pal 22, they must try to get back to earth but not without first finding their purpose. Joe is a charismatic man who is such a relatable character; you connect with him right away. His new friend, 22, is a funny free-spirited character, and the two make for a great duo with contrasting ideologies about how to live life.

Joe and 22 have an interesting journey in the film as Joe gets to see someone else live his life, and through this experience, Joe realizes that there is no exact formula to living life, and it's about the adventure, not the final result.

Peter Docter returns to the director's chair to make you cry for the millionth time. Peter and Pixar seem to understand their audiences are not children anymore as the stories evolve with each film release. This understanding has allowed them to tackle very heavy questions about life, death, and our existence; more so than any other film I have ever watched.

The script is beautifully written and is full of so many new unique inspirational quotes that just make you question life and your own decisions you have made. Atticus Ross, Jon Batiste, and Trent Reznor put together a gorgeous soundtrack that takes you on an emotional rollercoaster that compliments every aspect of the film.

Soul is one of the best movies to come out of 2020 by far. It delivers such a powerful perspective on life and how we live it. Anyone who is a practicing artist, or has dedicated much of their life to a goal, should relate to these feelings of self-doubt that Joe goes through in the film.

Sometimes you just have to live your life, have fun, and enjoy the ride. We all know life gets crazy and hectic, and are all guilty of letting it take control. We are so blessed to be living right now, and we often forget what it is like to look up at the stars, or to take in the wonderful scent of a flower, or getting lost in a beautiful song. Life is made up of small moments and as Joe says " I'm going to live every minute of it".

Overall Rating: 5-star (9.2/10)

Factor Ratings

Plot: 9/10
Theme: 10/10
Acting: 8/10
Script: 9/10
Directing: 9/10
Score/Music: 10/10
Cinematography: 8/10
Editing & Effects: 9/10
Uniqueness: 10/10
Rewatchability: 10/10

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