My daughter teased me this weekend as I sat down to watch Disney’s “Encanto” again. “Mom,” she said with her hand on her hip, “are you watching this movie again?! You’ve already seen it 473 times!” When I confirmed and she incredulously asked why I would watch a movie so many times, I told her, “It makes me happy and sad and hopeful,” which didn’t really satisfy her at all.
It’s a movie full of color and light and catchy, singable songs (“We Don’t Talk About Bruno” has been circling in my head for more than a month), but deals with some weighty issues at the same time. Themes of social and geographical isolation, dysfunctional family dynamics, and feeling overwhelmed by pressures and expectations are just in the first two songs!
There is comfort in repeat watchings – I know what will happen next – but I also rewatch for the feelings of hope and the sense of belonging that blossom as Mirabel, the main character, understands and accepts her family members and they understand and accept her in turn.
Here are some other works that I recommend when you want to torture your heart on the journey to make it happy:
Books:
“Neverwhere” by Neil Gaiman (a Books & Brews Book Club choice later this year)
“The Girl of Fire and Thorns” by Rae Carson
“The House in the Cerulean Sea” by TJ Klune
Movies:
“Spirited Away” an anime by Studio Ghibli
“The Willoughbys” based on the book by Lois Lowry
“Spider-man: Into the Spider-verse”
Don’t forget we’ll be closed in two weeks from February 21st – 28th. When we reopen on March 1st, we’ll be in the Graham Community Building. Please be patient with us as we get settled and figure out a rhythm in that new space. We’ll have a much smaller collection available, but are hopeful to be able to provide most, if not all, of the services you’re used to.