10 Things You Might Have Missed in ‘Encanto’
Disney’s 60th animated feature film Encanto was released in November 2021 and became an instant success.
From directors Jared Bush and Byron Howard, and with voice acting from Stephanie Beatriz, John Leguizamo and Disney’s very own good luck charm Alan Tudyk, Encanto follows the story of Mirabel who is attempting to save the miracle that gives her whole family magical powers… except her.
Featuring catchy original songs from Lin-Manuel Miranda, it’s easy to see why Encanto has been nominated for Best Original Score, Best Original Song, and Best Animated Feature at the 2022 Oscars.
Disney has developed a reputation for hidden details in their animations and Encanto is definitely no exception. From the small details that make every frame so interesting, to the monumental secrets that change entire meanings or reference so Disney’s wider catalogue of animated releases, these are the 10 Things You Might Have Missed in Encanto. Spoiler alert!
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10. Bruno in the Background of “We Don’t Talk About Bruno”
Even if you haven’t seen Encanto yet, the song “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” has been almost unavoidable as it has made it to number 1 in the charts in both the UK and the US.
In the film itself, the song is the first time we get a really good look at Bruno.
Most obviously, he is seen in the flashback of Pepa and Felix’s wedding and when Camillo changes into his likeness, but many have missed the real, present-day Bruno!
During Dolores’ rap verse, Bruno can be seen walking along the upper level of Casita. And Dolores, who can hear him, stops Mirabel from seeing him by pulling her away from his direction. Right at the end of this verse, you can see Bruno bobbing his head along to the song whilst stood behind Dolores.
9. The Family’s Clothes Correspond to Their Gifts
The clothing animation in Encanto not only sticks to traditional Colombian design, but there are patterns on the family’s clothes that reflect their gifts: the hem of Abuela’s dress shows the mountains around the Encanto, Bruno’s ruana features hourglasses, Pepa’s dress has suns on the neckline, Julietta wears an apron that also has a pestle and mortar on the chest, Dolores’ dress has patterns that resemble soundwaves, Camillo’s ruana is patterned with chameleons, Antonio’s waistcoat features multiple animals (although he only wears this in promotional posters), the hem of Luisa’s dress includes dumbbells, and Isabela’s dress is covered with orchids, which is Colombia’s national flower.
Even those who married into the family have hidden messages in their clothing, with the triangle pattern on Felix’s guayabera mirroring Pepa’s sun design and Augustin wearing a flower for Isabela, one sock which features weights for Luisa and the other sock that replicates Mirabel’s dress.
Mirabel’s outfit is arguably the most interesting as it’s fully embroidered with references to her whole family, including the candle for Abuela, Camillo’s chameleon, Isabela’s flowers, Antonio’s animals, Luisa’s fist holding a weight, music notes for Dolores, a rain cloud with a sun behind it for Pepa and a breadbasket for Julietta.
