If you’re looking for a full review, this isn’t the piece for you! But, I will give you a four-word summation. Encanto is emotional and enchanting. So instead, for this piece, we’re focusing on the Encanto press conference!
The Encanto press event went all out and made sure that both the actors and the creative team got a chance to share their experiences and feelings on working together on such a momentous project, many of whom met for the first time at the event.
“Some of this cast here today are just meeting each other for the first time, and I honestly feel like I’m in the Latinx Brady Bunch. It’s amazing.” ~ Naz Perez
We’ve interviewed voice actors before, many of whom talked about the shifts in the industry. Many of them stress the investments voice actors are making for at-home recording setups, stating they aren’t in booths as much anymore, but it’s still a little baffling.
To think Encanto was made in little chunks and woven together to make such a masterfully made animated movie. A film that beautifully highlights the positives and negatives of a rich and complex culture. All while giving its actors a deep dive into their feelings around society, identity and recognition.
“Mirabel doesn’t have a gift, which I find extremely relatable, because there have been many times in my life where I felt like I didn’t belong, I didn’t measure up, I wasn’t talented enough to be there, I had that sort of imposter syndrome. Um, but I also discovered by getting older and working more and more on trusting myself that I do have something to offer, and it is special, and I am myself.” ~ Stephanie Beatriz
I’m sure all of us can relate to those inner voices that cry imposter. Voices that call us untalented and unspectacular in comparison to others. It’s what makes Mirabel such a compelling lead; the kinship Stephanie felt with her only brings even more life to the character. The entire cast brought that heart to Encanto, and that makes it a movie worth watching. It shows you a brief glimpse into the soul and magic of Colombia. Impacting not just us in the audience but the people who made this movie a reality.
“…I was like, “Yo, my tears are welling up,” you know? I’m feeling like, you know, your stomach starts going like this. [MAKES NOISE] And it-and it was when I saw all the colours. ‘Cause, that’s how my family is in Colombia. You know, everybody can be really mad dark, or-or-or light, straight black hair, or super curly hair. I mean, it-it looked like my family; it looked like the-the way I grew up. And to see that, you just feel like, “Oh, my God, we’ve arrived.” ~ John Leguizamo
All in all, the deliberate choices by its creative team and cast to focus on the significance of community, family and the importance of knowing when to stand out from the crowd— are what make Encanto an emotional and genuinely enchanting film. If you would like to check out our full review of Encanto, you can read it here!
Keshav Kant, aka Mx. KantEven, is a med student tuned Executive Director of Off Colour!
You’ve probably seen her on Twitter and TikTok, both @MxKantEven, or caught her work on Off Colour's many channels.
From consulting on films & shows, manuscript review, conducting interviews, or hosting podcasts & panels, if there is some way to bring sensitivity and authenticity to diversity, inclusion and equity conversations, Keshav will be there.