By: Julie Martinez-Landa I Published: January 30, 2026
Disney–Pixar’s Soul, from directors Pete Docter and Kemp Powers, dives headfirst into some pretty big questions like what gives life its spark, why we bother doing what we do, and how to find true fulfillment. Pixar always tugs at the heartstrings, but this time, they mix in laughter, music, and some honest-to-goodness philosophy. It hits home, especially if you’re an older student or anyone who’s ever really wondered, “What am I doing with my life?”
So, what’s it about?
We meet Joe Gardner, a middle-school music teacher with dreams bigger than his classroom. Joe’s whole world revolves around jazz, he wants to play, to create, to really live his passion. Just when it seems like he’s finally getting his big break, fate throws him down a manhole and, bam, his soul gets launched into a mysterious place called the “Great Before.” Here, new souls get their personalities before heading to Earth.
In this strange world, Joe teams up with Soul 22, who’s basically the definition of “meh.” Soul 22’s never found a reason to exist on Earth, and together they set off on a journey that tackles questions like: ‘Where do we really find meaning?’ ‘Is purpose something you chase, or something that finds you?’ ‘Do those small, everyday moments stack up to something bigger than we realize?’
Instead of just repeating the old “follow your dreams” speech, Soul nudges you to look closer at ordinary things like sharing pizza, chatting with a friend, or just soaking up a breeze, and seeing how much they truly mean.
Jamie Foxx really brings Joe Gardner to life. You can hear his love for music in every word, and his frustration just feels real. Tina Fey, as Soul 22, adds sharp humor and just the right dose of skepticism to keep things interesting. Watching them bounce ideas back and forth, one obsessed with purpose, the other totally indifferent, makes for some of the movie’s best moments. Their voices don’t just carry the film; they give it a heartbeat.
The animation does a lot of heavy lifting. But they don’t just make things look pretty. First, New York City. The way the city shines, the life on the streets, musicians’ nimble fingers it all looks and feels honest. Joe’s world feels completely lived-in and real. Then you get to the “soul world.” Suddenly, everything flips. It’s bright, it’s weird, and it feels like a dream. The counselors, the “Jerrys”, look like sketches that leapt straight out of someone’s imagination. All these choices tell you, loud and clear, that you’re definitely not in New York anymore.
Music isn’t just background noise here, it’s the movie’s backbone. Jon Batiste lays down the energetic jazz for Joe’s world, while Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross wrap the soul world in an electronic, otherworldly vibe. The mix does more than separate the two worlds; it shows you what Joe’s missing and what he’s searching for, all without saying a word.
This movie manages to wrestle with big, heavy ideas and still stay super watchable. It’s not afraid to be deep, but it never gets boring. It practically invites you to ask yourself what really matters in your own life. That said, the deeper parts might leave younger kids scratching their heads, especially when the film goes all-in on its philosophy. The body-swap stuff in the middle? Yeah, it’s goofy and fun, though it briefly pulls you away from the movie’s main message. Still, those moments lighten things up just when you need them.
At the end of the day, Soul is a reminder to see the small stuff that makes life good, not just chase after the next big thing. It’s creative and moving, with loads of heart and just enough weirdness to make you think twice. Whether you’re in it for the story, the music, or just to see what Pixar’s cooked up this time, Soul leaves you with something valuable.
Rating: 4/5 stars
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