Encanto director Jared Bush is sharing more details about what really reignited the enchanted candle through which the Madrigal family derives their powers. The Disney animated feature continues to be a hit even months after it first hit theaters last November. Viral songs like "We Don't Talk About Bruno" and "Surface Pressure" have fueled the film's success, not to mention the colorful aesthetic that has inspired countless cosplays, fan art, and parodies.
Beyond the catchy tunes and memorable characters, Encanto has also spurred a ionate fanbase that continues to deliberate over details and theories. Among them is the exact reason why the miraculous candle regained its power following Mirabel and Isabela's embrace. The moment happens not long after Mirabel consults Bruno, who reveals a vision of her hugging Isabela in order to strengthen the candle's dying flame. During Isabela's musical number, "What Else Can I Do?", Mirabel learns to love her sister's imperfections, and the two embrace as the candle brightens behind them.
For fans who've continued to enjoy talking about the film, Bush has hosted occasional Q&A sessions on Twitter to answer questions. One asked about the real reason behind Mirabel and Isabela's hug that saved the family miracle. According to Bush, it was unconditional love between the two sisters. He tweeted:
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The concept of unconditional love is one of several themes not explicitly stated in Encanto. Disney animated films are often clear about the specific act that needs to take place to save the day, usually tied to the overarching message of the film, such as "an act of true love" in Frozen. While Encanto has Mirabel and Isabela hugging to save the candle, there's no mention of why their hug is so significant. This is yet another way Encanto breaks from Disney tradition — rather than making its messages obvious, Encanto seems to have left many of its themes up to interpretation, hence the ongoing fan theories that subsequently keep the movie relevant for a longer period of time.
At face value, love and family are at Encanto, but the film also explores deeper topics like generational trauma and toxic familial relationships without necessarily calling them so. These subtle yet significant nuances add maturity to the storyline, deviating from the classic true-love's-kiss narrative that older Disney fans . With more plans in the works to turn the film into a franchise, Disney should not lose sight of Encanto's true magic — its depth of storytelling.
Source: Jared Bush / Twitter
