Encanto is a movie that not only manages to bring up discussion of toxic family relationships, it also focuses on how easy it is to lose yourself in your own need to be perfect. It tackles a difficult topic in a Disney movie meant for children.

Encanto and the family manage to not just fascinate children, the movie also entangles adults. Each character manages to portray different ways that anxiety could be represented in different family members.

The main character in Encanto is Mirabel (voiced by Stephanie Beatriz), who is racing against time to save the Madrigal family house in Colombia and the family’s miracles. Each family member has a magical gift. One has superior strength. Another can control the weather with her emotions, and another can speak to animals. As the only member of the Madrigal family without a gift, Mirabel faces challenges.

As Mirabel races to burn as brightly as everyone else in her family, the relationships are subtly built upon in the one-hour and 49-minute movie.

At first, I felt as though this movie was really aimed at older viewers. It depicts relationships and topics that need to be discussed more openly among teens and adults. Despite that, it feels very whimsical and childlike, perfect for young children to enjoy.

The movie deserves the praise it has been given by its huge fanbase. We Don’t Talk About Bruno, written by Lin-Manuel Miranda who did the music for Moana, even beat Frozen’s Let It Go in the race to top 10 on the Billboard Hot 100 charts.

Still, the movie does have its flaws, whether it be the need for more of an apology from Abuela at the end or criticisms of some of the music. While the movie is worthy of critique, the impact cannot be denied.

The audience and the fans are excited for a reason. It’s reaching hearts and that is something worthy of praise, even for a Disney movie.