Described as Soul has more in common with its past animated features than merely its critical success. Pixar has been turning out groundbreaking projects for over 25 years, distilling a recognizable set of common elements that codify their brand. Audiences know that when they see a Pixar film, they can expect an entertaining, wildly imaginative, and tear-jerkingly poignant story for the whole family. Whether rats or race cars, whether in outer space or the depths of the ocean, certain common themes prevail. Soul is no exception.
The story of Soul follows hapless middle school band teacher Joe Gardner (his musician goal by playing a gig after scorning 22. But when he's finished, he can't help but feel like he's missing something. It's then he learns his lesson: a person's purpose isn't singular, and the way we approach every moment is what gives us purpose. Having self-actualized, he helps 22 overcome her own demons and, in the end, gets a second chance at life himself.
Most obviously, the film's ethereal concept and the manifestation of such abstract ideas as souls and personality and one's "spark" find their spiritual ancestor in director Pete Docter's previous effort, Inside Out's sequel by many fans.
A good writer creates driven characters, and given the folks at Pixar are among the best writers, thus their characters are often among the most driven. Joe's ion for music calls to mind Remy the rat's ion for cooking in Brad Bird's Cars, knows this lesson well, having chased the Piston Cup with unhealthy focus before learning that it's not about the destination, but rather the journey.
Up, in which she thanks him for the adventure and encourages him to "go have a new one."
Wall-E famously declares "I don't wanna survive, I wanna live!" His statement finds a not-so-distant cousin in Joe Gardner's resolution to live every minute of his second chance at life.
