Synopsis
The film Onward. came out in 2020 as a fantasy adventure animated film from Pixar Animation Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Pictures. Onward, directed by Dan Scanlon who also co-wrote the film, spans a heartfelt story that focuses around a fantasy suburban world and the modern day interactions of magical creatures, including elves, unicorns, centaurs, and faeries.
The plot includes elf siblings Ian and Barley Lightfoot as they go on an incredible mission to spend one last day with their father who they lost. The movie, of course, includes elements of a magical and humorous adventure, merged with Pixar’s signature emotional storytelling.
Onward is centered around the idea that magic is no longer thriving in the world, and that as society progressed and adopted technology, magic became a myth. People began to rely on simplicity, and as a result, lost the desire and capability to perform magic. The setting, though magic is present with dragons and sorcery, includes such modern day elements as schools, restaurants, and smart phones.
The younger sibling, Ian Lightfoot, is an introverted and uncomfortable adolescent who had never met his father, Wilden Lightfoot, since he died long before Ian was born. Ian turns sixteen and his mother, Laurel, gifts he and Barley a special present from their father: a wizard’s staff, a very peculiar magical stone called a Phoenix Gem, and a spell long forgotten that is said to be able to resurrect their father for a day.
The spell certainly works, but only binds to a certain portion of their father’s body: his legs, and exactly at that moment, the gem shatters. Now with only twenty-four hours to complete the spell, the two brothers begin a magical expedition of sorts to obtain another Phoenix Gem and resurrect the remainder of their father before the day concludes.
In the process of completing their goal, they face numerous challenges and magical barriers. They come across the manticore known as Corey, who used to be a formidable warrior that protected magical secrets, but is now the proprietor of a kid friendly restaurant. They complete puzzles, leap over chasms, face fears, and slip through danger, all the while gaining new insight on each other and life.
From the very beginning of the journey, Ian attempts to picture the moment he will meet the father he has never seen, while Barley wishes he could say goodbye to him, and wishes for a second chance. But, as their adventure unfolds, the two of them learn that their greatest gift has and always will be their relationship as brothers. In an emotional epiphany, Ian comes to the conclusion that Barley has always been the father figure he needed.
In the emotional climax of the film, Ian gives Barley the opportunity to have that moment with their father, knowing that he has already gained what he was looking for. It was not the lost connection he was after, instead, it was the underlying love and support he had in Barley the whole time.
Cast & Crew
Main Voice Cast
Tom Holland as Ian Lightfoot
Ian is the younger elf brother who is shy, has a lot of self-doubts, and has a low level of confidence. He is characterized by focusing on growth, self-belief, and building family bonds.
Chris Pratt as Barley Lightfoot
As Barley’s younger brother, Ian often comes off as shy and has self-doubts. He is characterized by focusing on self growth, self-belief, and the ability to make family bonds.
Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Laurel Lightfoot
As a ne warrior, she has exhibited the ability to protect her children by any means necessary. As a caring strong mother, she has proven to go beyond her limits.
Octavia Spencer as The Manticore (Corey)
In the past an intrepid explorer, now leads a much calmer existence managing a restaurant. With a little persuasion, she is able to embrace her adventurous spirit.
Mel Rodriguez as Officer Colt Bronco
A centaur and Laurel’s boyfriend, who makes an effort to bond with the boys, though they try to avoid him.
Crew
Director: Dan Scanlon
Also directed Monsters University and used his own life experiences for Onward, as he lost his father at a young age.
Producers: Kori Rae
Dan Scanlon, Jason Headley and Keith Bunin
Composer: Mychael Danna and Jeff Danna.
The film score fuses orchestral and other sounds associated with the realm of fanciful, and the film’s tone, like the rest of the film is quite emotional.
Studio: Pixar Animation Studios
As of Onward’s last recorded data, it holds a score of 7.4.
The film’s emotional premise paired with the humor and world-building was greatly appreciated. Stoic sibling relationships, an uncommon subject for animated films, also drew the interest of critics and audiences alike. The heartwarming and thrilling fantasy elements evoked a response from viewers of all ages.
Reviewers also noted the film’s creative synthesis of the contemporary world with antiquated elements of fantasy. The beating heart of the story—love interwoven with grief and growth—was, however, the most poignant aspect, even if some would argue the tale lacked action.
Thematic Analysis
Familial Relationships and Brotherhood
At its very essence, Onward is a profound testament to sibling bonds. The siblings Ian and Barley embark on is as much about resurrecting their father as it is about understanding the depth of their relationship. The film illustrates poignantly how one’s family extends beyond one’s forebears to those who stand by one through the test of time.
Self-Confidence and Self-Discovery
The Ian we meet at the beginning of the film is devoid of any sense of self-identity as well as self-worth. At each stage of the quest, he finds himself to be courageous, intelligent as well as competent. The magical difficulties he faces serve as stand-ins for the inner battles that adolescents grapple with during the transition to adulthood.
Grief and Healing
This tale approaches the issue of loss and absence with the utmost grace and optimism. Although the brothers feel a great void where their father is meant to be, this film teaches us that the absence of healing does not stem from a desire to change the past. Instead, it arises from an inability to appreciate the present and the love that is already there.
Magic in the Everyday
Onward, while set in a different world, has a message that magic is not only about incantations and witchcraft; it is also about compassion, courage, and humanity. The return to using magic in the world allegorically expresses the rediscovery of the essence of life.
Conclusion
Onward is a touching and enchanting movie that marries the glee of fantasy to the core of a family tale. It is animated in a riot of color, teeming with whimsical creatures, and a soul-stirring mission, while delivering messages that are, perhaps, both in vogue and out of time.
The film propels to the forefront the notion that the real magic is not in the daring escapades and the feats that boggle the imagination, but in the tender acts of love and care that we give to one another every day. In the case that one is a member of the audience that appreciates fantasy, Pixar, or simply tales with a true soul, Onward is a movie that should be seen.
Onward is an invitation to deliberately slow down, notice, and appreciate the unsung heroes in each of our lives, and most importantly in our families, in a world that moves all too fast and does not appreciate meaningful, close relationships.
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