Encanto

Need to Know:
Encanto is a family musical and animated movie from Disney that follows the Madrigals. They live hidden in the Colombian mountains in a magical place called the Encanto (charmed). It’s a very easy-going movie that is enjoyable to watch.

Creators: Byron Howard, Jared Bush
Cast: Stephanie Beatriz, Jessica Darrow, Diane Guerrero, John Leguizamo, María Cecilia Botero

Why Is It Worth Watching?
Encanto is an absolutely enchanting movie to watch both with kids and alone! We follow the main character Mirabel (Stephanie Beatriz), and her magical family. They attempt to protect the ‘Encanto’ that gifted each of them with unique magic when Abuela (Maria Botero) was in need. However, Mirabel is the only one in her family who does not receive such a gift and even though they seem like a picture-perfect family, deep-rooted issues create a strain within them. On the surface, it looks like a simple children’s film, but the animation explores complex issues such as generational trauma. In this case, the trauma Abuela experiences when she must leave her home and she loses her husband. Apart from the beautifully constructed story, the animation is also worth mentioning, from vibrant colours to every element’s smooth, fluid movements. Encanto is a visually stunning movie and attentive to the details put into each character and the way emotion is represented on each animated character’s face. The songs are also definitely going to be stuck in your head for a few days.

You can’t help yourself from connecting with the deep emotions portrayed by each character as you feel the tension of the story

Euphoria

Need to Know:
Euphoria is a 2019 drama series with the first episode of the second season released in January 2022. Its main character is a 17-yearold called Rue, a high school student dealing with tough subjects such as loss, addiction, love and the difficulties of navigating this new social environment while still discovering her identity and place in the world.

Creators: Sam Levinson
Cast: Zendaya, Hunter Schafer, Angus Cloud, Jacob Elordi, Alexa Demie, Sydney Sweeney, Maude Apatow

Why Is It Worth Watching?
This series is probably one of the best teen shows out there, with a complex and expertly crafted story. With Rue (Zendaya) being the unreliable narrator guiding the audience through her own life as well as the lives of those around her. This approach adds an interesting layer to the story, and the fourth wall breaks are always unexpected. Everything about this show is stunning. The gorgeous visuals and cinematography allow the audience to feel an intimate connection with each character and their emotions. The soundtrack and the camera angle also only add to the intensity of each scene. The excellent performances augment the immersion and the lines between acting and reality seem blurred. You can’t help yourself from connecting with the deep emotions portrayed by each character as you feel the tension of the story. The characters are also well developed, with them all having their moral issues and unique views on the situations on screen. An incredible show that is most definitely a must-watch!