Disney’s latest film, “Encanto,” has had great success since its release on Nov. 24, 2021.
The film follows the magical Madrigal family. Each member of the family has their own special gift, ranging from shapeshifting to being able to control the weather. Maribel, the story’s protagonist, is the only Madrigal to not have a gift. We watch as Maribel tries to prove to her family that she is just as special as they are, even though she doesn’t have a gift.
The movie’s most popular song, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno,” is currently number two on the Billboard’s Hot 100 list, surpassing “Let It Go” from “Frozen” which maxed out at number five in 2014.
“We Don’t Talk About Bruno” isn’t the only “Encanto” song to be on the Billboard’s Hot 100 list, however.
Luisa, the middle sister of the Madrigal family, has the gift of superhuman strength. Her song, “Surface Pressure,” is currently number ten on the Billboard’s chart.
In the song, Luisa describes the intense amounts of pressure she feels from being the strong member of the family. She sings, “I’m pretty sure I’m worthless if I can’t be of service.” Everyone’s dependent on Luisa. Knowing this, she never says no and in turn never relaxes. She feels great pressure from how much is expected of her from her community, but she won’t stop working because, as she sings, “Who am I if I can’t carry it all?” If she can’t help everyone, she has no purpose. Rather than her gift being just one aspect of her, it’s made out to be her entire identity.
There’s often a lot of responsibility that comes with being an older sibling. Taking care of the younger children, cooking and cleaning while parents are at work, and having a part-time job to help with household finances are just a few things older siblings often do for their families. In order to not burden or worry anyone, they often remain silent when experiencing burnout and anxiety.
Luisa shows this reality in its most raw form. For those who have experienced the same feelings of pressure as Luisa, this song can be tear-jerking and all too real. Luisa’s song isn’t the only aspect of her character that people can relate to.
To align with her incredible strength, Luisa bears broad shoulders and large muscles. She has a body type that isn’t often portrayed in film, especially not ones targeted towards younger audiences. When character’s like Luisa are shown, they’re often mean, more masculine, or are considered ugly. She doesn’t fit conventional beauty standards, but that’s what so many people love about her. Though she has a large build, she’s also quite feminine. She’s kind, caring, and beautiful as well.
For many people, Luisa is the first character that looks like them. She has a body type so many people have, but that’s never shown on screen. Seeing her in “Encanto” helped many people feel represented in a positive way.
I find myself relating a lot to Luisa. Not only am I the older sister to three younger siblings, but I also have a body similar to Luisa’s. I’ve always felt insecure about my broad shoulders. The female characters I’ve seen in movies and on TV have never had my body type. The first time I saw Luisa, I joked with my brother, “Hey, that looks like me!” Now a few months later, I find myself still resonating with that statement. Luisa’s song and character have left many viewers, including me, feeling seen.
