Disney movies seem to have a knack for pulling on the heartstrings of their audience. With every movie they release, they get better and better at assuring that every viewer watches the credits roll with tears in their eyes. Their secret seems to be a combination of real-world relatable issues, satisfying resolutions, and breathtaking animation.
Encanto is a perfect example of this winning formula. Between the theme of generational trauma, the empathy displayed by the various generations of the family, and the beautiful Colombian scenery, this film is one that will surely be remembered for as long as Disney itself. While the entire story entertained audiences with its scenes of humor and flawless theatricality, these heartwarming scenes are what truly sets Encanto apart.
Agustín's Words Of Encouragement
Agustín is the husband of Julieta and father to Mirabel. He married into the family and therefore does not have a gift. He was not raised with the magic that the Madrigals have grown so used to, but that never stopped him from blending effortlessly with the exceptional family.
When Mirabel is faced with the difficult day of Antonio's gift ceremony, her parents are there to offer comfort. However, Agustín is a little clueless about what to do for his teenage daughter. The scene is adorable, with Agustín copying his wife's words and expressions in order to appear as if he has any idea what he is doing.
Mirabel And Antonio In The Nursery
When the family is in a panic trying to figure out where Antonio is, Mirabel is immediately able to find him. She joins him in his hiding place under the bed and puts a loving arm around him, offering him comfort and encouragement.
This scene shows so much about the relationship between the two cousins. They have shared a room in the nursery, so the ceremony is bittersweet for both of them as they know it means Antonio will move to a new room. While Mirabel is dealing with a lot of her own emotions around the event, she puts them aside to ensure that she is there to support Antonio.
Camilo Puts Antonio's Nerves At Ease
Camilo is the clown of the family and will do anything to put a smile on someone's face. His gift is that of shapeshifting, so he will often use this to his advantage to make people laugh.
Moments before Antonio receives his gift, his family meets him to offer encouragement. Knowing his little brother felt nervous, Camilo takes the form of Felix and gives a comical impression of his father. He keeps the act going until they are called away, succeeding in making Antonio more relaxed and comfortable before his big moment.
Julieta Loves On Mirabel
The pressure that Abuela unknowingly puts on her family has made Mirabel feel like a black sheep among her exceptional siblings and cousins. However, Mirabel's mother, who has experienced similar pressure and watched her brother get pushed out of the family because of it, wishes to do anything to make her daughter feel loved.
When Mirabel is upset about being dismissed when she tells her family about Casita's cracks, Julieta does her best to cheer her up. She showers her with compliments, affection, and kisses, showing audiences that while she may not know how to protect her from Abuela's expectations, she certainly loves her daughter with all of her heart.
Mirabel Supports Luisa
Luisa has the gift of strength, which has been seen to be very useful to the Encanto. Because of this, she is often overworked and exhausted, buckling to the pressure that has been placed on her by the expectations of her Abuela and community.
When Mirabel confronts Luisa about her stressed-out twitching, Luisa opens up and shares the way that she had been feeling. An amazed Mirabel hugs her sister, telling her that she works too hard. Luisa returns the hug and breaks into much-needed tears, showing that all she needed was someone to listen in order to help her realize how much she really just needed to take a break.
Mirabel's Promise To Bruno
The night Mirabel didn't receive her gift, Bruno sees a vision of her standing in front of the shattered Casita. He makes the decision to leave the family in order to keep anyone from ever seeing the vision. However, unable to stomach leaving his family for good, he instead hides out in the walls for 10 years.
When she discovers this and then sets out on her mission to restore the family's miracle, Mirabel promises Bruno in one of her best quotes, "After I save the Miracle, I'm bringing you home." Bruno gives a smile and disappears back into the wall in his own quirky way, but the sweet moment left audiences loving the uncle and niece dynamic that these two characters share.
Isabela And Mirabel Finally Connect
From the very beginning of the movie, it is clear that sisters Isabela and Mirabel do not see eye to eye. Mirabel sees her older sister as a selfish princess and Isabela adheres to the idea that Mirabel has no responsibility to the family. Neither had ever taken the time to consider what life would be like from the perspective of the other, so they struggled to ever get along.
During one of Encanto's catchiest songs, "What Else Can I Do," the pair receive some much-needed perspective and learn to respect one another. They dance around the rooftop of Casita, celebrating Isa's newfound ability to create more than just perfect roses. When they hug and the candle burns brighter, viewers, especially those with sisters, couldn't help but well up with a couple of tears.
Abuela And Mirabel Make Amends
The Miracle was granted to Abuela after her husband, Pedro, sacrificed himself in order to save her and their children from danger. This gift was all that Abuela had left of her husband, and she would protect it with everything she had, which ultimately resulted in her unintentionally harming her family.
When Abuela sees the error of her ways, she is able to truly see the beautiful value that Mirabel has exactly as she is. Mirabel in turn learns all that her Abuela had been through and what all she had done to ensure her family's safety and survival. The two learn respect for their other family generation, showing that toxic generational trauma can end with just a little empathy and understanding. This scene, which is also one of Encanto's most visually stunning, is the emotional climax of the film.
Bruno Reunites With His Family
While Mirabel and Abuela are preparing to return to their destroyed home, Bruno bursts through the trees, declaring that Mirabel had done nothing wrong. For the first time in his life, he stands up to his mother, demanding that she not punish Mirabel for only doing what he had told her to.
Instead of the criticism he had been expecting, Abuela runs for him and quickly pulls him into a hug. This beautiful moment where a mother learns to simply appreciate her son whom she had missed out on seeing for so long is a great example of the real-world issues that Encanto discusses, and why the film rang so true with many audiences.
Mirabel Finally Gets A Door
Mirabel leads the family in rebuilding their home. Their gifts are gone, but she is able to show them through her own experience that they don't need their powers to create something of value. The family realizes just how much they had been underappreciating Mirabel and decides on a gesture in order to make amends.
When the house is complete, they give Mirabel a doorknob to put on the door to let the family inside. With tears in her eyes, Mirabel puts the knob on the door, and it explodes with golden light. Her own image becomes etched on the house's door, followed by the images of the rest of the family. She is finally included; a true member of the Madrigal family, and the door proves it.