Encantados 2014

Mirabel Madrigal (Maria Cecilia Botero) is part of the magical Madrigal family, living in a vibrant village in Colombia. Their home, known as the Casita, was magically created by an enchanted candle after her great-grandmother Alma (Dira Paes) fled her homeland to escape the conquistadors. Alma’s husband, Pedro, sacrificed his life to protect the family, and the candle’s magic granted each family member a unique gift on the day they come of age. Mirabel’s first visit to her doorknob, however, reveals she does not receive a special power like her siblings and relatives, which makes her feel left out.

The film opens with Alma recounting their ancestral history to her granddaughter Mirabel, emphasizing the importance of family and the magic that sustains their home and community. As the story progresses, we see Mirabel helping her family prepare for Antonio ([Ravi Cabot-Conyers]), the youngest cousin, who is about to receive his gift. Antonio’s gift turns out to be talking to animals, and he is excitedly introduced to the family. Meanwhile, Mirabel’s younger sister, Letícia Sabatella, plays Isabela, who can make flowers bloom anywhere, and her other sister Luisa ([Jessica Darrow]) possesses super strength. The family also includes many other colorful characters—Pepa, who can control weather based on her emotions, and Bruno, who can see the future but is considered an outcast after his predications often cause distress.

During Antonio’s celebration, strange cracks begin to appear in the Casita, and the magical candle flickers ominously, hinting at a loss of magical stability. Mirabel, feeling excluded, notices these signs but struggles to get her family to pay attention. She attempts to uncover more about the unusual happenings by sneaking into the abandoned tower of her uncle Bruno ([John Leguizamo]), who had been shunned because of his ominous visions. There, she discovers broken fragments of his predictions and a significant vision she recognizes from her dreams—a future where the Casita is damaged, and her family is in chaos. Despite Bruno’s reluctance, Mirabel convinces him to reveal a new vision that shows her standing in front of the Casita, which is cracked and in ruins.

As secrets begin to surface, Mirabel learns that her family’s expectations and the pressure to be perfect weigh heavily on everyone. Her relationship with her sister Isabela ([Diane Guerrero]) becomes strained, especially when Isabela is pressured to be flawless. However, after a heartfelt conversation, Isabela realizes her own worth beyond her perfect appearance and creates a beautiful, unconventional cactus, symbolizing her self-acceptance. Their reconciliation is a pivotal moment, symbolized by a warm hug in front of the candle, confirming the importance of understanding and acceptance.

The film takes a dramatic turn when Alma blames Mirabel for the cracks and the chaos, believing her to be disruptive due to her lack of a gift. This conflict causes the Casita to fully collapse, its magic fading forever, and plunging the family into despair. Mirabel, heartbroken and feeling she’s failed her family, runs to the river nearby. There, her Zezé (their grandmother) finds her and shares the story of how the family’s magic was born from Pedro’s sacrifice and Alma’s love. She admits how she spent years trying to protect the Encanto and her family’s magic, but in doing so, she lost sight of their true bonds.

In a touching moment of forgiveness, Mirabel and Alma reconcile, and together they find her uncle Bruno waiting nearby, who has been hiding behind the walls. Bruno’s return, along with the restoration of the Casita with the help of their community, signals a new beginning for the family. Throughout the story, lessons of unconditional love, acceptance, and the importance of family are highlighted. The Madrigal family comes together once more, celebrating their reuniting in a heartfelt song, “All of You,” and Mirabel finally receives a special doorknob made just for her. As she places it in the door, the Casita and its magic are fully restored, and the villagers and family members gather for a joyful family portrait, embracing their imperfections and newfound harmony.