Fred 🇵🇷’s review published on Letterboxd:
Was anyone else knocked back when the fantastical portion of this film kicks off? Even in its deliberate simplicity, there is so much to take in with awe when we're first dropped into this brave new world and that's something that speaks to the craft (predictably outstanding as it may be) of Pixar's artists. So much of the technical mastery at work in Soul is constructed to convey complexity and grandeur in warm and palatable ways.
Conceptually, this is among the most stunning animated features I've seen in some time. The designs of the film's great beyond are impeccably executed, evoking their multidimensionality effortlessly. And the exquisite flourishes extend to the aural elements as well. SHOCKING though it may be, Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross composed one of the year's best scores for this.
It's in the emotional throughline, of all things, that this doesn't reach the galactic heights of films like Coco. Thoroughly engaged though we may be with just about every narrative development, the same cannot be said about our investment in the cathartic aspects of this story. There is wonder and beauty to spare in this gorgeous work of art. But it needed just a bit more heart to go with its ample magic for it to move the soul as well as it otherwise wows our senses. What magic we're gifted with, though. What otherworldly, life-affirming magic.
P.S. It's pretty remarkable that despite a bevy of standout moments, the one that has lingered more than most for me is one of the most pedestrian. Just another testament to the persevering strength of the animation giant's trademark storytelling.
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