Onward is Pixar’s latest bittersweet tale about loss and grief. The film stands out by approaching the subject from the perspective of a child. Based on the director Dan Scalon’s experience as one, Onward is gripping and truthful.

In a suburban fantasy world, two elf brothers Ian and Barley have lost their dad when they were kids. Ian was too young to remember him and grows up feeling he missed out. When he turns 16, the two protagonists have the opportunity to bring their dad back for a day but the spell goes wrong. They have only one day to fix it.

As they embark on the journey to save their chance to see their dad, Ian and Barley are estranged siblings having lived two parallel lives. They will have to fight their own prejudices against each other to connect. While Barley is confident, Ian is fearful with a very low self-esteem. He will have to face his fears like driving to meet his dad. Barley’s magic knowledge allows Ian to train and discover hidden magic abilities.

Ian’s change could not be possible without Barley’s belief in his younger brother. It is perfectly illustrated when they have to cross but the mechanism releasing the bridge is on the other side. Barley knows the spell but it needs Ian to believe in himself. To achieve it, Barley ties a rope around his waist and Ian sets off confident. Barley tricks him into believing the rope is still protecting him when there was not enough it. Ian realizes it on the other side as he understands how essential self-confidence is.

As the journey goes on, the brothers get closer. Ian realizes that he had had a paternal figure all his life – his brother. Everything he set himself to do with his dad, he has done with his brother from learning to drive to sharing life stories. Rediscovering his relationship with his sibling allows him to grieve the loss of this dad he has never known. As he accepts it, he blossoms and reaches his potential.

Onward creates a safe space for children and adults to talk about the loss of a parent, the grieving process and life afterwards. Pixar does not shy away from difficult questions and brings optimism and hope through a world full of bright colours, mythical creatures and magic. It also promotes self-confidence as an essential tool for life. Ian could do not complete his quest until he believed in himself. It is a deep and empowering film for children as well as adults.

Director: Dan Scanlon
Writers: Dan Scanlon (original story by), Keith Bunin (original story by)
Stars: Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, Julia Louis-Dreyfus
Melanie Toutakova
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