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Själen (Soul) resonated deeply with both myself and my Senses colleague, Christian. Following the passing of both our fathers within a short timeframe, this beautiful and profound film arrived as a timely exploration of existential questions: “What is the purpose of my life? What are my true aspirations? What is my passion? What is my direction?” These questions, perhaps previously lingering unanswered, found new relevance.
Joe (Jamie Foxx), a music teacher in New York City, harbors the ambition of becoming a full-time jazz pianist. An unexpected call from a former student presents him with the opportunity of a lifetime. However, fate intervenes, and he finds himself in limbo. There, he encounters Soul 22 (Tina Fey), and together they embark on a journey to discover the answers to life’s fundamental questions and the true essence of one’s soul.
Själen (Soul), written and directed by Pete Docter (Inside Out, Up) and co-directed by Kemp Powers, stands as a deeply affecting cinematic achievement. The directors have crafted a narrative that prompts profound introspection. Certain sequences, such as Joe’s retrospective of his life’s “highlights,” evoke a sense of both loneliness and tragedy. Despite his passion and drive, Joe’s life appears to have been gradually consumed by the “rat race.” Another compelling sequence depicts souls transformed into aimless zombies, vividly illustrating the potential consequences of neglecting one’s true passion.
Själen (Soul) is a genuinely thought-provoking film that lingers long after viewing, prompting continued reflection. It encourages viewers to consider: Does this bring me joy or sorrow? Should I accept this opportunity, even if it detracts from my passion? Unlike other films exploring the afterlife, Själen (Soul) establishes a unique and impactful connection.
The visual presentation of Själen (Soul) is exceptional. The animation achieves a remarkable balance between realism and cartoonish style. The limbo sequences feature a more stylized and endearing aesthetic, maintaining a visually striking and thematically consistent tone. While I don’t typically favor jazz, I found the film’s musical score highly engaging. The voice acting across all characters is outstanding. Although I opted for the Swedish dub, which creates a slightly incongruous effect of characters speaking Swedish in New York, the quality remained commendable.
My sole reservation regarding Själen (Soul) lies in the occasional instances of humor that feel somewhat simplistic and out of place. It appears that these moments were incorporated to broaden the film’s appeal to younger audiences. In contrast, Coco, which also addresses themes of death and the afterlife, integrates humor more seamlessly and organically.
The Blu-ray edition delivers excellent visual quality, characterized by rich, deep blacks and vibrant colors, creating a visually captivating experience. The DTS HD 7.1 audio provides an immersive and enveloping soundscape. The music is expertly mixed, enhancing the sense of being fully immersed in the scene. While a 4K version of Soul (Själen) is not currently available for purchase in Sweden, it can be imported. Själen (Soul) is also accessible in 4K on Disney+ as part of the subscription service. The two-disc Blu-ray edition is replete with bonus content, exceeding that offered on Disney+, including insightful commentary tracks. Therefore, the Blu-ray edition remains a worthwhile investment, despite the Full HD resolution compared to the 4K streaming option.
In conclusion, Själen (Soul) distinguishes itself as a profoundly unique and contemplative film, diverging from Pixar’s previous works. It earns a strong recommendation as a must-see, representing a worthwhile investment for any viewer.
