Disney's film Encanto was released on Disney+ on Christmas Day 2021 and has been circulating the Internet with reactions and theories ever since. Many fans enjoyed the animated film's emphasis on family and community alongside bravery and authenticity. More importantly, fans appreciated that this storyline centered on a Latinx family.
But many fans have gone on Reddit to uncover theories about the film such as underlining generational trauma to questioning what magic means. These interpretations have been important as this film has led fans to determine Disney's main intentions for this movie. Encanto emphasizes today's need for Latinx representation and the importance of culture and community.
Updated on September 21, 2022, by Lynn Gibbs: Since Encanto's release on Disney+, there have been countless Encanto fan theories that delve into the Madrigals gifts and connections with one another. Reddit is one of the more popular forums that dissect Encanto theories, where fans of the movie are still looking for answers to lingering questions. Whether it's about Pepa's ability to change the weather or the colors the characters wore, fans did not hold back on these Encanto theories.
Each Gift Was Given In Case There Is A War
The movie centers around a family with gifts that provide and protect not only them but also their community. The Reddit User Not_OrdinareeGae claims, "I believe that each gift has something to do with war because, after all, the miracle came to be during the war." This means, each gift was to stop another war to occur, protecting the family.
This Encanto theory could be true because the gifts themselves were given due to warfare. Also, the main reason Abuela wanted to ensure the gifts lasted was to make sure her family and community would not have to sacrifice their lives like Abuelo Pedro The powers that these characters have are useful for war, such as super-strength or controlling the weather.
The Holder Of The Candle Chooses The Gifts
In Encanto, Abuela Alma’s candle becomes magical after her husband died. The candles magic was what helped her raise her family and gave Casita its powers. But what if it’s not just the candle who gifted powers but the holder of the candle?
TrashbagTatertots shared an in-depth theory that’s plausible. After giving her grandchildren and children gifts that she or the town could use at the time, she could have been at a standstill when Mirabel was born. “When Mirabel came of age, Abuela really only had one need left: for someone to carry on her legacy, to be the next Holder of the Candle.” This could be true because Alma worried about the next heir of Casita, and having someone like Mirabel in the family made her the next possible leader.
Mirabel Wiped Her Hand After Touching The Candle
Just because Mirabel didn’t get a gift didn’t mean she didn’t have inspiring quotes or moments throughout Encanto. Mirabel knew she was special as she was, she just needed reminding from time to time.
However, what if Mirabel could have had a gift but squandered her chances because she wiped off the magic? SpiritedSoul’s child theorized, “Mirabel didn’t get a power because of a very simple reason: she wiped her hand before touching the door.” They furthered explained “Every room/power ceremony in the family the person touches the candle then touches the door knob. Mirabel? Nope she touches the candle, wipes hands on shirt, touches handle that promptly disappears.” This theory could absolutely be true because there’s no denying she was the only one who wiped the magic from her hands.
Maybe Mirabel Did Get A Door…
EncantoMariposa explained an intriguing theory where Mirabel actually did get a door. They wrote that Mirabel did get a door before it disappeared and would get it back when the timing was right.
The Redditor explained, “You can watch the movie from the perspective that Mirabel needs to complete tasks to grow into her gift, which was always waiting for her to be ready. The butterfly motif and 3 songs tell this story.” The idea that a gift for Mirabel isn’t far away is exciting for fans who rooted for her.
Mirabel's Glasses Foreshadow Her Connection to Bruno
This theory examines this small detail Encanto fans have overlooked that provides more meaning about Mirabel and Bruno and their gifts. Reddit User TheRhubarbarian 1 sees another connection between the two stating, "Mirabel wears bright green, circular glasses, which I believe link her to her uncle, Bruno. When we see Bruno have a vision of the future, his irises turn a bright lime green color."
This theory may be true because Mirabel wears her glasses to see the world around her and Bruno's eyes turn green to see the future. And these visions allow Mirabel to see clearly her next steps and see her new purpose. Fans wouldn't put it past Disney to come up with a connection like this.
Encanto Is Part Of The Pixar Theory
As many fans know, the Pixar Theory is the idea that Pixar movies coexist in the same timeline. Despite Encanto being a Disney film, this Reddit User 9fingeredbandit96 states, "Encanto is a Disney movie that came out this year. Except it's not Pixar, but it really should be. Multiverses exist in the Pixar theory so why not?"
This theory might seem far-fetched but that's what's fun about it. For instance, the doors for each magical relative is aligning with Monsters Inc., which uses the doors in the human world. If possible, a magic door could lead to another Pixar or Disney world.
Mirabel Did Not Get A Gift Because She Is The Successor Of The Village
At the beginning of the film, fans were devastated to see Mirabel try to fit in with her family, which was difficult as she was the only person without a gift. Redditor thegreendorito123 believes "[Mirabel] will be the successor to the village...and Mirabel is basically the reason why the Casita gets rebuilt." Specifically, Mirabel did not need a specific gift that would allow her to have her own door because she will take over Abuela Alma's role as the matriarch of the house.
This theory is very plausible for fans who compared the distinct qualities and personalities of Mirabel and Abuela Alma. For instance, Mirabel and Abuela Alma are the only ones who could communicate with Casita. In addition, Mirabel encourages Isabela to create different types of plants instead of the typical flowers, indicating Mirabel influences magic like Abuela, who introduces each gift to each family member.
Casita is Abuelo Pedro
The house of Madrigal is full of magic that is the home to their gifts and individualities. According to CodyChaotix, this house is the spirit of Abuelo Pedro explaining, "The house (Casita) seems very protective of the entire family and The House (Casita) knows all the characters' names."
This theory may be true because Casita's magic is connected to the magic of the candle. The miracle for this family only existed when Abuela received the candle after the death of Abuelo Pedro. Pedro died before the story took place, but if his personality is anything like Casitas, then he would have been one of Encanto's more likable characters.
The Powers Are Related To Each Character's Mental Health and Emotions
Reddit User WarpzoneKid theorizes, "The crux of the theory is that all of the Madrigal’s powers are related to their mental health and emotion." Meaning, their gifts may be an indication of the family's need to have a stronger family foundation to have healthier mental health and emotion, symbolized by losing their magic or best explained with the musical numbers from characters like Luisa in "Surface Pressure."
This theory can be true by referring to the gifts of some of the Madrigals and what each represents to the family. For instance, Pepa and her weather depend on her mental health, such as anxiety or stress causing a storm, and Luisa's level of strength is impacted by her own insecurities.
Encanto Is About War Trauma
The Reddit User 50b1 believes Encanto shows how war trauma carries forth generationally, commonly known as intergenerational family trauma. Also, the user theorizes how this aligns with today's society of how trauma from the pandemic will be embodied in the next generation.
This theory seems true because of how the war shown in the film impacted Abuela Alma's behavior toward her children. She used the miracle as a resource to survive and protect her family. This expectation carries forth in pressuring her family members to do what is best for their family despite how it may cause distress in their mental health and immense family pressure.
Bruno's Prophecies Are Not Guaranteed
Reddit User TwilightTownee claims, "But I propose that this is always how his visions are, and Bruno inadvertently provides his family and townspeople with self-fulfilling prophecies." Meaning, these visions are always a possibility controlled by the people in visions.
This theory may be correct when comparing Bruno's previous prophecy—not only with Mirabel—but also with Isabela and Dolores. They were told, "The man of my dreams would be just out of reach, betrothed to another." This partner for Dolores is hinted at as Mariano, who is arranged by Abuela Alma to marry Isabel. However, Isabela never marries Mariano, showing a flaw in Bruno's prophecy. Nevertheless, fans demand justice for Bruno who was judged for his visions, even though he had no control over them.
Mirabel Is Reincarnated As Abuelo Pedro
Abuelo Pedro plays a pivotal role in defining the magic, guiding Mirabel to find her own. Reddit User Double_Okra_9995 also sees Mirabel as a reincarnated Abuelo Pedro stating, "There was a scene when she is near the only picture of him, they resemble each other. And also why Maribel [sic] went to the place where Pedro met the soldiers."
Fans agreed on Reddit with this theory being true because there was no major explanation as to why Mirabel coincidentally was at the river. The film consisted of a lot of details from symbolism to metaphors with songs and characters. In addition, Mirabel finds the butterfly that Abuela Alma saw after the death of Abuelo Pedro, possibly underlining Mirabel and Abuelo Pedro as one. Yet again, the Madrigal family tree continues to get more interesting.
Gifts Are Chosen To Protect Madrigal's Community
Reddit User Don't-fear-the-eel believes the gifts were actually given not based on personality but for survival. Specifically, the Reddit user states, "The basics: health (Julieta), growth (Pepa), future planning (Bruno). Abuela had no power to give them their gifts, otherwise, Bruno's wouldn't have been so misunderstood." Thus, each member of Madrigal has gifts that aim to rebuild and protect their community.
Breaking down each gift, fans can see how each gift has a purpose that protects their community, which explains the community's concern when the Madrigals were going to lose their magic. These were real issues that transpired. in a Disney world. This essence of survival as the basis of these gifts is understandable because of the community's trauma of warfare.