For Pixar's 22nd film, director Dan Scanlon, together with Holland and Pratt, takes us from the realm of monsters and superheroes to a world that seems to be from a Dungeons and Dragons book.
The fun-filled adventure "Onward" largely unfolds in a time where magic is considered a myth despite the many wondrous creatures roaming the city. In this fantasy world Centaurs drive, Manticore runs a tavern and Pixies are gangsters. An "art imitates life" kind of thing but with a dash of Pixar magic.
The film follows Ian Lightfoot (Holland) who dreams of spending time with his father, who died before he was born. On the day of his birthday, he found out that he left him and his brother Barley (Pratt) with a magic wand that can bring him back to life for one day. But when the spell went wrong they only managed to reformed half of his body. Determined to see their father, the two went out to an adventure to find a stone that can help them see him again.
"Onward" explore the world of two seemingly contrasting siblings who discover that the fatherly love they lost is actually in the places they overlook. The movie shines a light on the importance of family to a child and it aims to raise awareness about the repercussions for the lack of it.
Pixar retained the gold-standard they set with another compelling and heartfelt narrative that talks about deeper issues and ideas. Beyond the theme about family, Scanlon effortlessly contrives a narrative that says a lot about the struggle of growing up in the modern world.
"Onward" is a film that tells us to take each day with courage and accept each challenge to come with bravery and hope. It tells us that we should not worry about the hardship we faced as this leads to a grand story. Through it all, this magical film wants us to understand that magic lies deep in our hearts and the bond we formed with our loved ones is the strongest spell there is.
4/5
