Soul (2020) Movie Review: Pixar’s Deepest Film About Life, Purpose and Jazz
Pixar’s Soul (2020) is one of those animated films that lingers in your mind long after the credits roll. Blending heartfelt storytelling, jazz, philosophy, and stunning animation, it offers both family entertainment and a surprisingly deep meditation on life’s purpose. With an IMDb rating hovering around 8.0/10, Soul has clearly resonated with audiences worldwide, and for good reason.
In this review of Soul (2020), we’ll explore the story, characters, themes, animation, music, and why this Pixar movie remains one of the most talked-about animated films of the decade. If you’re wondering “Is Soul (2020) worth watching?” or searching for a detailed Soul movie review, this breakdown is for you.
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| Soul (2020) Movie |
Plot Summary: What Is Soul (2020) About?
Soul follows Joe Gardner, a middle-school music teacher in New York City who dreams of becoming a professional jazz musician. Just when his dream is finally within reach, after landing a gig with a famous jazz musician, he has an accident and finds his soul separated from his body.
Joe ends up in a metaphysical realm between life and death, where he encounters “The Great Before” (or “You Seminar”), a place where souls develop their personalities before going to Earth. There he meets Soul 22, an unborn soul who has no interest in living and has frustrated countless mentors before Joe.
Desperate to return to his life and live out his dream, Joe teams up with 22, and through a series of mishaps, the two end up back on Earth, but not quite in the way Joe imagined. The rest of the film explores what it really means to live, to have passion, and to find meaning beyond achievements and labels.
Characters and Voice Acting
One of the strongest aspects of Soul (2020) is its characters, both human and ethereal.
- Joe Gardner (voiced by Jamie Foxx)
- 22 (voiced by Tina Fey)
- Supporting characters like Joe’s mother Libba, his barber Dez, Dorothea Williams, and the abstract beings Jerry and Terry add depth and humor, grounding the metaphysical sections with glimpses of Joe’s real life and community.
The voice acting is excellent across the board. Jamie Foxx brings warmth and authenticity to Joe, while Tina Fey delivers a performance that balances comedy and vulnerability. Their chemistry is key to making the central relationship work.
Animation and Visual Style
From a visual standpoint, Soul is breathtaking.
- New York City is depicted with remarkable detail and texture. The lighting, reflections on wet streets, and the cozy interiors of barbershops and jazz clubs make the city feel alive and tangible.
- The Great Before / You Seminar offers a striking contrast with its soft, pastel color palette, minimalistic design, and abstract, line-drawn beings. The counselors (the Jerrys) and the accountant Terry have a surreal, almost hand-drawn look that stands out from Pixar’s usual style.
The film uses visual language to distinguish between realms: Earth is rich, detailed, and grounded; the soul world is fluid, symbolic, and slightly surreal. This contrast supports the narrative and keeps the film visually engaging for both kids and adults.
Music and Soundtrack: A Love Letter to Jazz
Music is at the core of Soul (2020), and the soundtrack does not disappoint.
- The original jazz compositions, performed by renowned musician Jon Batiste, bring Joe’s passion to life. The piano sequences feel authentic, and the animation perfectly matches finger movements with the music, making Joe’s performances believable even to musicians.
- The ethereal, otherworldly score for the soul realm, composed by Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross, creates a dreamy, almost sci-fi ambiance. The combination of jazz on Earth and ambient electronic music in The Great Before helps differentiate the two worlds sonically as well as visually.
If you love jazz or music-centered movies, Soul will be especially rewarding. The film doesn’t just use jazz as decoration; it treats it as a real artistic calling, with all the struggle and passion that entails.
Themes: Life, Purpose, and the Meaning of “Your Spark”
Where Soul truly shines is in its themes. This is not just an animated movie about chasing your dreams, it’s about questioning what “dreams” even mean.
1. Passion vs. Obsession
Joe’s love for jazz is inspiring, but the film also shows how single-minded ambition can cause you to overlook the life you’re already living. His relationships, his students, and his everyday experiences fade into the background as he fixates on “the gig.” Soul gently suggests that while passion is beautiful, it shouldn’t blind you to the present.
2. The Spark Isn’t Your Purpose
One of the most powerful ideas in Soul is the distinction between a “spark” and a “purpose.” The film argues that your spark is not necessarily your career or singular destiny. Instead, it might be your curiosity, your love of little things, or your ability to engage with the world. This is a refreshing counterpoint to the common “follow your one true calling” narrative.
3. Appreciating the Ordinary
Some of the most memorable scenes in Soul (2020) are quiet: a leaf falling, a slice of pizza, conversations at the barbershop, a simple walk through the city. Through 22’s eyes, we see everyday life as something magical. The film invites viewers to slow down and appreciate the “small” moments that actually make life meaningful.
Best movies to watch when you feel lost in lifeIs Soul (2020) Good for Kids?
Soul is family-friendly, but it’s also more philosophical than many other animated films. Younger children will enjoy the colorful visuals, humor, and slapstick moments, but the deeper questions about life, death, and purpose will resonate more with older kids, teens, and adults.
Parents might find that Soul opens the door to thoughtful conversations about:
- Why people have different passions
- What it means to “live a full life”
- Dealing with disappointment and change
- Appreciating what you have instead of always chasing the next thing
So yes, Soul (2020) is a great family movie, but it’s especially impactful for viewers who are old enough to reflect on identity, career, and meaning.
Strengths of Soul (2020)
- Emotional depth: The film deals with existential themes without feeling heavy-handed. It’s touching without forcing tears.
- Beautiful animation: Pixar reaches a new level of realism and stylistic experimentation.
- Outstanding music: The blend of jazz and ambient score is memorable and elevates the story.
- Relatable characters: Joe and 22 feel real in their struggles and growth.
- Rewatch value: There are layers of meaning that become clearer on repeat viewings.
Weaknesses and Criticisms
No film is perfect, and Soul has a few points that some viewers may critique:
- Complex concepts for younger kids: The metaphysical explanations of The Great Before might confuse very young children.
- Pacing in the middle act: Some viewers may feel the body-swap and Earth-bound comedic segments slow things down compared to the emotional and philosophical beats.
- Desire for more jazz: Given how central jazz is to Joe’s identity, some fans might wish there were even more time spent in the music world and less in the metaphysical one.
However, these issues are relatively minor compared to what the film achieves overall.
Why Soul (2020) Stands Out Among Pixar Movies
Pixar is known for emotional storytelling (Inside Out, Up, Coco), but Soul feels like one of its most mature works. It doesn’t just explore a specific relationship (like parent-child or friendship); it explores life itself, why we live, what motivates us, and how we define success.
For adults, Soul can hit especially hard. Many viewers will see themselves in Joe: chasing promotions, dreams, or milestones, believing happiness lies just on the other side of achievement. Soul gently challenges that mindset, suggesting that true fulfillment comes from noticing the life you already have.
Why Should You Watch Soul (2020)?
If you’re searching for:
- An inspiring animated movie with emotional depth
- A film about jazz, creativity, and passion
- A thought-provoking story about life’s purpose
- A visually stunning Pixar movie with a unique style
…then Soul (2020) is absolutely worth watching.
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