Soul (2020) is an exploration of purpose, connection, and the meaning of life. While not explicitly a story of grief in the traditional sense, it delves deeply into loss—loss of dreams, missed opportunities, and, most importantly, the way our perception of life's meaning evolves through hardship.
In Soul, we follow Joe Gardner, a middle-school band teacher with aspirations of becoming a professional jazz musician. After an untimely accident, Joe finds himself in the "Great Before," a metaphysical realm where souls develop personalities before heading to Earth. His journey is a blend of reflection, discovery, and learning to cherish the small, beautiful moments that make life extraordinary.
The Many Forms of Loss
Unlike more straightforward narratives of grief, Soul portrays loss as something multifaceted. Joe grieves the life he thought he wanted, coming to terms with his own expectations and recognizing the value of what he already has. For parents and children, this portrayal is a gentle reminder that grief isn't always tied to losing a loved one—it can stem from lost opportunities or unmet aspirations, and it’s okay to mourn those, too.
Music as a Medium for Healing
Jazz, the heartbeat of Soul, becomes a metaphor for how life can be spontaneous and imperfect yet still profoundly beautiful. This mirrors the healing journey many experience in real life. For children dealing with loss, activities like playing music or drawing can help express emotions that may be too complex for words.
Encourage your child to engage in creative outlets to explore their feelings, much like Joe rediscovers his connection to life through his love for jazz.
Lessons for Families
One of the most touching lessons in Soul is the idea of appreciating the present moment. After spending much of the film striving for his "big break," Joe realizes that it’s the small moments—the taste of a slice of pizza, a walk in the park, or a heartfelt conversation—that truly give life meaning.
As families process grief together, creating and cherishing these small, meaningful moments can offer comfort and connection.
Other Films That Reflect on Life, Loss, and Purpose
- Coco: A celebration of memory and legacy, Coco explores the importance of family and honoring those we’ve lost.
- Inside Out: A moving depiction of how sadness, like other emotions, plays a crucial role in healing and personal growth.
- The Land Before Time: Another tale of loss and resilience, focusing on finding support in friendships.
These films, like Soul, open the door to valuable conversations about how grief shapes our experiences and strengthens our bonds with others.
Resources for Parents and Caregivers
If Soul sparks conversations about loss or life’s purpose, here are some supportive resources to help your family navigate:
By using Soul as a starting point, families can explore themes of loss, resilience, and the beauty of life's small, meaningful moments.
At Jurni, we're working to bring these themes of grief, healing, and hope to life through an animated short film inspired by our story. If you’d like to support this project, please visit our Kickstarter campaign or learn more on the Jurni website. Together, we can create something meaningful for families navigating their own journeys.