Movie of the Week: “Encanto” (2021): Healing Generational Trauma Through Purposeful Parenting and Family Bonds

Introduction

Encanto is the 60th animated feature from Walt Disney Animation Studios, released in 2021 by Walt Disney Pictures. Directed by Jared Bush and Byron Howard, co-directed by Charise Castro Smith, and featuring songs by Lin-Manuel Miranda, the film stands out as a visually stunning and emotionally resonant exploration of family, resilience, and the complexities of intergenerational trauma. Set in Colombia, Encanto weaves magical realism with deeply human struggles, centering on the Madrigal family, blessed with extraordinary gifts, except for one: Mirabel, whose journey of self-discovery becomes the heart of the story.

Plot and Themes

At its core, Encanto tells the story of Mirabel Madrigal, the only member of her family not endowed with a magical gift. While her siblings and cousins display extraordinary abilities, from super strength to controlling the weather, Mirabel is seen as ordinary. Yet, when the family’s enchanted house (Casita) begins to crack and their magic wanes, Mirabel takes it upon herself to uncover the truth.

The film explores themes of identity, generational trauma and family expectations. The absence of a clear villain is striking; instead, the central conflict arises from Abuela Alma’s well-intentioned but rigid expectations, rooted in her own traumatic loss. The story highlights how unaddressed trauma can be transmitted across generations, shaping children’s self-image, choices, and relationships.

Family Strengthening

One of the most powerful messages of Encanto is the importance of acknowledging and addressing emotional wounds within families. Abuela’s obsession with preserving the miracle blinds her to the pain her expectations cause her children and grandchildren. Mirabel, by confronting this dynamic, helps the family rediscover their true strength: love, acceptance, and unity.

For purposeful parenting, Encanto reminds us that:

• A child’s worth is not tied to their performance, perfection, or talents.
• Parents and caregivers must balance guidance with empathy, creating room for individuality.
• Healing family systems requires both elders and younger generations to engage in open dialogue and forgiveness.

Securing a Friendly and Protective Environment for Children®

Casita, the family’s sentient home, symbolizes both safety and fragility. As the cracks spread, it reflects how children perceive and internalize family conflict. The rebuilding of Casita at the end not through magic, but through collective effort and community support, is a powerful metaphor: children thrive when their environment is safe, inclusive, and grounded in love rather than pressure.

For educators, policymakers, and parents, the film reinforces the need to create nurturing spaces where children can express themselves without fear of judgment, ensuring that safeguarding is not just physical but also emotional.

Rights-Based Parenting®

Mirabel’s story is a call to recognize and affirm every child’s right to be valued for who they are, not only what they do. While her family initially overlooks her, Mirabel proves instrumental in saving them, showing that every child has innate worth.

Rights-based parenting, as modeled through Mirabel’s journey, requires:

• Affirmation: celebrating each child’s unique identity.
• Voice: listening to children’s concerns and perspectives (as Mirabel’s warnings were initially dismissed).
• Freedom: reducing pressure from rigid expectations, allowing children to explore who they are.

Visuals and Animation

The film’s vibrant animation brings Colombia’s culture and landscapes to life. From intricate embroidery to traditional foods like arepas con queso, Encanto beautifully integrates cultural authenticity with magical realism. Casita itself is a visual masterpiece, a character in its own right, symbolizing the warmth and fragility of family bonds. The musical numbers, blend catchy rhythms with deep psychological insight, revealing hidden struggles within the family.

Platforms for Viewing

Encanto is available for streaming on Disney+

Conclusion

Encanto is more than just a musical fantasy; it is a profound meditation on family, identity, and healing. For parents, educators, and policymakers, it provides invaluable lessons on purposeful parenting, emotional safeguarding, and the dangers of unspoken expectations.