Soul Movie Review: Is Pixar’s Soul Safe for Kids? A Parent’s Guide

Pixar’s Soul is a standout animated film that has captivated audiences worldwide with its breathtaking animation, jazz music, and emotional depth. Released on Disney+ in December 2020, the movie brings a unique blend of spirituality, life and death themes, and stunning Pixar visuals. However, with its exploration of deep existential questions, Soul may raise some concerns for parents wondering if it is safe for kids. Is it a family-friendly movie? What age group is best suited to watch it? Let’s break it down in this in-depth review and parents’ guide to Soul.

The Pixar Visuals: A Feast for the Eyes

When it comes to animation quality, Soul is a masterpiece. Pixar is known for pushing the boundaries of animation, and this film is no exception. The visuals of Soul bring the vibrant streets of New York City and the ethereal worlds of The Great Before and The Great Beyond to life in stunning detail.

The movie begins with Joe Gardner, a middle school music teacher, navigating the bustling streets of New York City. The realism of the city beautifully contrasts with the abstract, dreamlike designs of the afterlife. Pixar’s talent for creating visually stunning settings shines throughout. Key locations like Joe’s apartment and his school showcase his everyday life in vivid detail.

While the real-world setting of New York is crisp and lifelike, the abstract, colorful environments of the afterlife offer an imaginative contrast that invites viewers to see the world through a new lens. This contrast is essential for both the emotional storytelling and the thematic elements of the movie.

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The Story: Exploring Life, Death, and Purpose

At its core, Soul is a journey about finding purpose, embracing life’s small moments, and understanding the meaning of existence. The film centers on Joe Gardner, a middle school music teacher with dreams of becoming a professional jazz musician.After a near-death experience, Joe ends up in The Great Before. Here, souls are assigned a personality before being sent to Earth.

While in The Great Before, Joe is paired with 22, a soul who has yet to find her “spark” or purpose. Through their interactions, the film explores themes of purpose, passion, and the meaning of life. Joe’s journey highlights his obsession with the idea that his life’s purpose is tied to his musical career. However, his time in the afterlife forces him to question his narrow view of fulfillment.

The film also introduces concepts about life and death that are subtle yet significant. Soul doesn’t shy away from depicting the complexities of existence, tackling topics like mid-life crisis and existential crisis, which may resonate with adults but may be harder for younger viewers to fully grasp.

The story is driven by dialogue and philosophical reflections. However, humor and light-heartedness are woven in as well. Much of this comes through the character of 22, whose skepticism about life adds a layer of Pixar humor to the narrative. The balance between heavy dialogue and visual storytelling helps convey serious themes. While accessible, these themes may not be ideal for very young children.

Is Soul Safe for Kids? A Parent’s Perspective

One of the biggest questions parents ask about Soul is whether it is safe for kids. The film is rated PG, which means it may not be appropriate for all children. Let’s take a deeper dive into what you can expect and how to determine if this movie is suitable for your child.

Content Breakdown for Parents

• Existential Themes: The biggest consideration for parents is the movie’s focus on life and death themes. There are discussions about what happens after death, the meaning of life, and the importance of finding purpose. While these themes are presented in a non-threatening way, they can be heavy for younger children.
• Grief and Loss: The film also deals with the emotional weight of grief and loss. While there is no cartoon violence, Joe’s near-death experience, along with moments of disappointment and loss, could be difficult for children to process. These themes could bring up complex feelings about life and death.

• Dialogue and Language in Soul Movie: The dialogue in Soul is rich and philosophical, which may be hard for younger children to follow. Soul contains no offensive language. However, its vocabulary is advanced for children, particularly when addressing spirituality, personal fulfillment, and the quest for purpose.
• Jazz Music and Black History: One of the highlights of the film is its jazz soundtrack, which is an integral part of the story. Joe Gardner is a passionate jazz musician, and the film features beautiful music that showcases the importance of Black history in jazz. While this is an important cultural element, younger children may not fully understand the historical context.
• Mild Peril: There are a few tense moments, such as Joe’s near-death experience and his subsequent journey through the afterlife. These moments are not frightening in a traditional sense but could be overwhelming to young children.

The PG Rating Explained: What’s Behind It?

Here’s a breakdown of the factors contributing to the PG rating:

Category	Details
Language	Mild language (e.g., “heck,” “darn”), no swearing.
Mature Themes	Existential crisis, life and death themes, loss, grief, and purpose.
Violence/Peril	No physical violence, but some emotionally intense moments.
Emotional Intensity	Heavy emotional storytelling and philosophical reflections.
Adult Themes	Discussions of personal fulfillment, mid-life crisis, and spirituality.

There are no adult themes like those found in some mature Pixar movies. However, Soul includes deep reflections. These themes may be better suited for children aged 8 and up. Families who want to engage in thought-provoking discussions may also appreciate the film.

Age Rating Recommendation

Based on the content and emotional tone of Soul, the recommended age for viewing the film would be around 8 years and older. Here’s why:

• Younger Children (Under 7): May find the movie’s abstract themes, heavy dialogue, and emotional depth difficult to process. The concepts of existential crisis and the meaning of life might be too complicated for younger viewers.
• Ages 8-12: This age group is likely to understand the spirituality in films and engage with the movie’s ideas of purpose and fulfillment. The Pixar humor and animation quality will appeal to them, but parents should be prepared to discuss some of the deeper themes.
• Teens and Adults: Teens may connect deeply with the themes of life and death, mid-life crisis, and the pressures of finding one’s passion. Adults will appreciate the film’s emotional complexity and dialogue-driven narrative.

Conclusion: Is Soul Worth Watching?

Soul is a thought-provoking Pixar animated film that tackles big questions about the meaning of life, purpose, and identity. It is visually stunning, with amazing Pixar visuals and a mesmerizing jazz soundtrack that adds depth to the story. However, its adult themes and complex dialogue may make it more suitable for older children, teens, and adults.

For families with younger children, Soul may be a bit too intense, but for families with kids aged 8 and older, it provides a fantastic opportunity to explore deeper discussions about life, death, and personal fulfillment. The film is a great way to introduce spirituality in films and heavy dialogue in an engaging, visual format.

If you want a family-friendly movie that offers more than just entertainment, pick Soul. However, prepare to explain some of the film’s deeper existential themes to your kids. It’s a movie that will stay with you long after the credits roll.

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