Soul (2020) is an animated Pixar film that follows Joe Gardner (voiced by Jamie Foxx), a middle-aged music teacher with aspirations of becoming a professional jazz musician. Joe’s passion for jazz seems to finally pay off on a life-changing day: he is offered a full-time teaching position at his school and impresses jazz legend Dorothea Williams (voiced by Angela Bassett) during an audition, earning an invitation to perform with her that very night. However, just as Joe is about to realize his lifelong dream, he tragically falls into an open manhole, leading to his untimely death.

Joe’s soul is transported to the Great Beyond, a realm where souls prepare to transition to the afterlife. Refusing to accept his fate and determined to return to his body, Joe panics and flees. In his frantic escape, he falls into the Great Before, a vibrant place where new souls are nurtured before being sent to Earth. In this realm, Joe meets 22 (voiced by Tina Fey), a cynical soul who has avoided going to Earth and struggles to find her “spark” or purpose. Recognizing an opportunity, Joe partners with 22, hoping to use her Earth Pass as his ticket back to life.

During their journey, Joe and 22 accidentally switching places—Joe inhabits the body of a therapy cat, while 22 experiences Earth for the first time through Joe’s body. This accident allows 22 to explore life’s simple pleasures, like savoring pizza, feeling a breeze, and listening to music. Meanwhile, Joe begins to reflect on his own life, questioning whether his single-minded pursuit of success has blinded him to the beauty of ordinary moments. Through their experiences, both Joe and 22 gain new insights: 22 discovers her desire to live, and Joe begins to understand that a meaningful life isn’t solely defined by grand accomplishments.

In the end, Joe helps 22 find her spark, giving her the confidence to begin her journey on Earth. Joe, in turn, is granted another chance at life, returning to his body with a renewed outlook. Having learned to appreciate the small, fleeting moments that make life extraordinary, he resolves to live each day fully, cherishing every experience.

Soul (2020) explores themes of the meaning of life, self-discovery, and finding joy in the present. The film challenges the idea that life’s purpose is tied to a single passion or achievement, instead emphasizing the importance of appreciating small moments and human connections that make life meaningful. Through Joe’s journey, the audience is reminded that fulfillment lies not only in obsessing over a singular goal but also in embracing the beauty of simply being alive. Ultimately, Soul delivers a powerful message about living with intention and finding purpose in the everyday.

Soul (2020) Awards:

Academy Awards (93rd Oscars) – 3 Nominations, 2 Wins

• Won: Best Animated Feature – Pete Docter and Dana Murray
• Won: Best Original Score – Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, and Jon Batiste
• Nominated: Best Sound – Ren Klyce, Coya Elliott, and David Parker

Golden Globes (78th Golden Globes) – 2 Nomination, 2 Wins

• Won: Best Animated Feature Film – Pete Docter, Kemp Powers and Dana Murray
• Won: Best Original Score – Trent Reznor, Atticus Ross, and Jon Batiste

British Academy Film Awards (74th BAFTAs) – 3 Nomination, 2 Wins

• Won: Best Animated Film – Pete Docter and Dana Murray
• Won: Best Original Music – Jon Batiste, Trent Reznor, and Atticus Ross
• Nominated: Best Sound – Coya Elliott, Ren Klyce, and David Parker