Watch Soul

Soul is an American computer-animated comedy-drama film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Directed by Pete Docter, the movie features an ensemble cast that includes Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Angela Bassett, Phylicia Rashad, and Graham Norton, among others. The movie explores the concept of life after death and the meaning of true happiness. It follows the story of Joe Gardner, a middle-aged jazz pianist and music teacher in New York City, who has a chance to perform at a renowned jazz club. However, his enthusiasm for the gig is short-lived as he suddenly falls into an open manhole and dies.

Joe finds himself on a long staircase, trying to ascend to The Great Beyond but he figures out the exit leads him to The Great Before, a fantastical place where new souls are given their personalities and interests before being sent to Earth to become humans. Here, he meets a precocious and argumentative soul named 22, who has been stuck in The Great Before for centuries, refusing to take on a human body.

As Joe tries to get back to his life on Earth, he teams up with 22 to navigate the realm of both worlds, facing challenges together while learning valuable lessons about what it means to live. Along the way, they meet a number of memorable characters, including the “Jerry’s”– wise spiritual guides, Terry (voiced by Rachel House) – a hilarious soul-counter, and Moonwind (voiced by Graham Norton) – a souvenir seller who serves as the guide on a mystical journey.

Soul is an aesthetically stunning animated film that is brimming with colorful, geometric designs that are as intriguing as they are straight out of a surreal dreamscape. The movie is set in the bustling city of New York which is depicted with liveliness and vibrancy.

The soundtrack of the movie is simply stunning. Jon Batiste, Trent Reznor, and Atticus Ross were the composers, and they performed an outstanding job of creating a musical world that kept the audience captivated throughout the film. The soundtrack is jazz-heavy during the movie's New York scenes, which was intentional by the filmmakers. The music becomes an embodiment of Joe's personality and that of the city he loves.

The movie's voice actors are equally enthralling. Jamie Foxx, who voices Joe, is perfect for the lead role, as he brings a sense of authenticity to Joe's jazz-driven perspective. Tina Fey, who voices 22, is the perfect foil for Foxx, playing a character who is stubborn, witty, and takes the audience on a journey of self-exploration. Fey perfectly captures the essence of her character, helping to make her a favorite among viewers.

Overall, Soul is a captivating, thought-provoking, and soulful movie that deftly explores complex ideas. Its characters are multidimensional, and the film handles themes of existentialism and identity with tenderness and depth. The movie's themes of fate, purpose, and death are explored in a thoughtful and heartfelt way, making it an incredibly rewarding cinematic experience. It is a must-watch movie for anyone who values the importance of living life to the fullest.

Soul is a 2017 documentary with a runtime of 1 hour and 15 minutes.