First, there was Coco, and now, Pixar’s latest offering, Soul, is poised to gently introduce children to the concept of death. While we have to wait until June 2020 for its theatrical release, the newly released trailer is nothing short of stunning.
Soul centers around Joe, a middle school band teacher and jazz musician (voiced by the talented Jamie Foxx), who encounters an unexpected fate. A single misstep leads him to become a mentor in the afterlife, guiding souls on how to embrace life fully before they take human form. The teaser also introduces us to 22, a whimsical character played by Tina Fey, who looks to Joe for advice as she prepares for her own entry into the “real world.”
What makes Soul particularly significant is that it features Pixar’s first black lead, marking a milestone for representation in animated films. Much like Coco, it has the potential to facilitate conversations about death and grief with young audiences. Grieving is a universal experience; whether at the tender age of seven or as an adult at seventy-seven, the pain remains real. While Soul emphasizes the beauty of living each moment to the fullest rather than fixating on loss, it can help destigmatize discussions about death for kids.
Statistics show that one in every twenty children under fifteen will lose a parent, and my family falls within the 5-8% of those who have experienced the loss of a sibling. Our journey began when my youngest daughter, Lily, tragically passed away from SIDS when her siblings were just two years old. Navigating their grief has become my new role, and I strive to support them as they grapple with questions like “Where is Lily?” and “Does she still love us?” Each inquiry tugs at my heart, and while I don’t have all the answers, films like Soul provide a platform for these essential conversations.
There are countless children who encounter death far too early in their lives, yet society often overlooks their emotional pain. Many kids lack representation in stories that address their experiences, making it even more vital for us to create an environment where these discussions can happen without shame.
We all know that tomorrow isn’t guaranteed, but how do we introduce our children to this hard truth? Without instilling fear, we can help them understand that death is a natural part of life, albeit an unfair and often premature one. My responses and society’s reactions to my children’s grief will shape their healing process, emphasizing the need to normalize discussions about loss.
Opening channels for conversations about death, whether through personal experiences or storylines in movies, can help children feel less isolated in their grief. With films like Soul and the enchanting Coco addressing these themes in a relatable way, we may be able to lift the heavy stigma surrounding mortality and help grieving children feel understood.
In a world where the aftermath of death is all too common, let’s encourage our children to ask difficult questions and create connections with those who share similar experiences. By fostering an environment of openness, we can help them navigate their grief while reminding them that their feelings are valid and acknowledged.
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In summary, the significance of Pixar’s Soul extends beyond mere entertainment; it serves as a crucial tool for families to navigate the complexities of grief and mortality, helping children feel seen and understood in their experiences.
Keyphrase: Pixar’s Soul and grief
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