Soul
The brief
Pixar's most grown-up film disguised as a kids movie, with Jamie Foxx bringing genuine jazz passion to a middle school band teacher whose near-death experience becomes an existential odyssey. The animation feels both cosmic and intimate, especially in the breathtaking New York jazz club sequences that pulse with authentic musical energy. Tina Fey's cynical soul-in-training provides perfect comic relief, but this gets surprisingly heavy about purpose, dreams, and what makes life worth living. Perfect for anyone who loved Inside Out or Coco and wants Pixar to keep pushing into deeper emotional territory.
The verdict
If you appreciate Pixar's more mature storytelling and don't mind heavy existential themes about life's purpose mixed with your animation, this is essential viewing with gorgeous jazz-infused sequences and genuine emotional depth. If you're expecting typical lighthearted family fare or get impatient with philosophical soul-searching, the weighty subject matter might feel too contemplative and slow.
Watch with
- 👨👩👧👦 Perfect for family movie night with older kids
- 👤 Great solo watch for deep reflection
- ⚠️ May be too heavy for very young children
Heads up
- Character falls through manhole cover (brief accident) (brief)
- Existential themes about death and purpose (moderate)
- Some scary afterlife imagery (brief)
Credits
- Director
- Pete Docter
- Cast
- Jamie Foxx, Tina Fey, Graham Norton, Rachel House, Alice Braga, Richard Ayoade, Phylicia Rashād
Official synopsis
Joe Gardner is a middle school teacher with a love for jazz music. After a successful audition at the Half
The Double
Make a night of it
Pair this with Whisper of the Heart (1995)
Both animated tales explore finding one's creative passion and purpose.
Total runtime: 1h 41m + 1h 51m = 3h 32m
