Soul
Soul is a visually stunning animated fantasy-comedy-drama from Pixar, exploring profound existential questions about life's purpose and the meaning of existence. The story follows Joe Gardner, a middle school music teacher and aspiring jazz pianist, who experiences a near-death accident just as he secures his big break. His soul embarks on an unexpected journey from the "Great Beyond" to the "Great Before," a cosmic realm where new souls develop their personalities and passions before coming to Earth. Paired with a defiant soul named 22, who has no desire to live on Earth, Joe must help her find her "spark" while simultaneously trying to return to his own body before his dream opportunity vanishes. The film thoughtfully blends vibrant animation, jazz music, and deep philosophical themes, making it accessible to a wide audience. It encourages viewers to appreciate the small, everyday joys of life beyond grand ambitions.
Concerns
Violence
MediumThe movie contains mild, mostly slapstick violence and peril, particularly related to the themes of death and the afterlife. Joe Gardner's initial death and subsequent near-death state are central. The depiction of 'Lost Souls' can be visually intense for younger viewers, though overall graphic violence is absent.
Joe Gardner dies by falling into an open manhole early in the film, although the act itself is not graphically shown, and his body is later seen in a hospital in a coma. 'Lost Souls' are portrayed as dark, hulking, monster-like figures with glowing eyes; 22 transforms into such a creature and swallows Joe, creating a dramatic and emotionally intense scene.
Profanity
MediumThe film includes some mild language. The word 'hell' is used several times by child-like souls in the context of a place, which some parents found concerning as it could lead to children repeating the term. Other mild terms like 'butt,' 'stupid,' 'idiot,' and 'imbecile' are also present.
Upon arriving in the Great Before, Joe asks if he landed in 'H-E-double hockey sticks?'. Subsequently, child-like souls around him repeatedly chant the word 'hell' while a cosmic counselor explains the location. Characters use mild derogatory terms such as 'stupid,' 'idiot,' and 'imbecile' to describe others, and the word 'butt' is also heard.
Witchcraft & Occult
Medium"Soul" explores a fantasy spiritual worldview involving the "Great Before" (where souls originate) and the "Great Beyond" (the afterlife), distinct from Christian teachings. It features cosmic beings ('Jerries') and mystics ('Moonwind') who interact with souls. These are presented as allegorical fantasy elements, not direct depictions of real-world witchcraft or occult practices, but they establish a non-Christian theological framework.
The film depicts the 'Great Before' as a realm where nascent souls are imbued with personality traits and 'sparks' before descending to Earth, a concept that diverges from the Christian understanding of human creation. Moonwind is a character who practices astral projection and helps guide 'lost souls' in 'the Zone,' a metaphysical plane, utilizing spiritualistic practices to aid characters.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumThe movie contains several scenes and themes that could be intense for younger or sensitive children. These include the concept of death, near-death experiences, the separation of Joe's soul from his body, and the visual representation of 'Lost Souls' as dark, monstrous figures. The transformation of a character into a 'Lost Soul' is particularly dramatic.
Joe's soul is separated from his body after an accident, and he finds himself on an escalator to the 'Great Beyond,' which can be a frightening representation of death for children. The 'Lost Souls' are depicted as large, shadowy, monster-like entities; the character 22 transforms into a snarling lost soul, a dramatic and potentially scary visual sequence.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe central plot involves Joe Gardner's strong refusal to accept his death and 22's long-standing rebellion against living on Earth. Both characters actively defy cosmic rules and authority figures (the Jerries) to achieve their desires. 22 is characterized by a sarcastic and defiant attitude towards her mentors and life itself.
Joe Gardner consciously attempts to escape the escalator leading to the 'Great Beyond' and actively seeks to return to his physical body, defying the predetermined path for departed souls. 22 has a history of frustrating numerous mentors, including historical figures, by refusing to find her 'spark' and exhibiting a consistently dismissive and rebellious attitude toward life on Earth.
Anti-Christian Themes
MediumThe film presents a spiritual cosmology for the origin and destiny of souls that significantly deviates from traditional Christian theology. It establishes a 'Great Before' for soul development and a 'Great Beyond' as an afterlife, managed by cosmic counselors, rather than aligning with biblical concepts of creation, purpose, and salvation. Christian reviews note its 'bad theology and problematic pop spirituality' without overtly mocking Christian beliefs.
The movie introduces the 'Great Before,' a realm where souls gain personality traits and a 'spark' before birth, which conflicts with Christian doctrines on the unique creation of each individual soul by God. The 'Great Beyond' and the 'Jerries' (cosmic counselors) governing the afterlife present a fantasy spiritual system that is divergent from the biblical understanding of Heaven, Hell, and God's sovereignty over life and death.
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
LowThe film does not contain explicit LGBTQ+ characters or themes. While some speculative discussion exists regarding a 'gay subtext' for the main character Joe due to his lack of expressed heterosexual interest, this is directly contradicted by references to a past romantic interest, Lisa. Unborn souls are initially presented as genderless, but 22 is identified as female. No explicit LGBTQ representation is present.
Joe Gardner does not explicitly express heterosexual romantic interest throughout the film; his mother does not question his lack of a wife or children when critiquing his life choices. However, a character named Lisa is referenced in Joe's memories, and 22 suggests he call her, implying a prior or potential romantic connection. Joe dismisses this due to focusing on his music.
Romance and Sexual Content
LowRomantic and sexual content in "Soul" is minimal. There's a brief mention of a past potential romantic interest for Joe, and one accidental, non-romantic kiss occurs. Some crude humor involves Joe's clothing and bodily functions, but it is not sexually explicit.
Joe's mind contains thoughts about a person named Lisa, and 22 suggests he 'rekindle' this relationship, which Joe declines due to his focus on music. In one scene, while Joe (as 22 in his body) is running, his trousers tear, revealing his underwear.
Substance Use
LowThere is no explicit depiction of substance use in "Soul." While jazz clubs, which typically serve alcohol, are shown as settings, no characters are seen consuming alcoholic beverages. No illegal drug use is portrayed or referenced.
Joe Gardner performs at a jazz club, a common venue for alcohol consumption, but no characters are shown drinking. The film contains no visual or verbal references to illegal drugs or their use.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
Recommend for ages 8+. While rated PG for "thematic elements and some language," the film's mature themes of death, the afterlife, and existential purpose can be complex for younger children. Some scenes with "Lost Souls" may also be frightening. Parental guidance is strongly advised to discuss the movie's spiritual concepts and ensure children understand the distinction between fantasy and their family's beliefs.
Additional Notes
Christian parents should be prepared for significant discussions regarding the film's spiritual and philosophical themes. The movie's depiction of a "Great Before" and "Great Beyond," along with the concept of souls finding their "spark" for life, presents a worldview that is largely allegorical and does not align with biblical teachings on creation, human purpose, and the afterlife. It is crucial to frame these elements as fantasy rather than theological truth.
Related Reviews
Is Soul right for your family?
These concerns are a starting point — what many Christian parents care about. Want to screen for other themes? Define your own concerns.
Screen any book, movie, or show — even titles no one else has reviewed.
“StoryScanner gives us clarity and confidence. It's become our go-to for checking books at the library and movies on family night.”
— Cristi & Brian, Dallas TX
“StoryScanner has been such a BLESSING for researching books for our children. You can set filters for your concerns, enter a book title, and it lets you know what's present.”
— Christian Book Reviews for Families (Facebook)
No credit card required