Modern Animated Movie: Onward - Exploring the Enchanted Suburbs

In the realm of animation, Pixar Animation Studios has once again stepped out of their comfort zone with the release of Onward, a modern suburban fantasy film. This new genre offering features a captivating array of mythological creatures such as elves, sprites, satyrs, cyclops, centaurs, gnomes, and trolls.

The elves in Onward are an intriguing sight, with human-like emotions and internal struggles that offer a striking contrast to their fantastical appearances. They coexist in a world that blends the conveniences of suburbia with the enchantment of mythology, making for a unique juxtaposition. Characters can be seen riding skateboards, taking the bus, watching TV, and playing video games, all while living alongside creatures like unicorns and centaurs.

At its core, Onward is not primarily a fantasy movie, but rather a heartwarming story about two brothers and their journey. The film's writer-director, Dan Scanlon, drew inspiration from his own relationship with his brother and their connection with their father who passed away when Scanlon was a year old.

The story unfolds as the brothers, Ian and Barley, embark on an extraordinary quest to discover if there is still magic left in the world. On Ian's 16th birthday, he finds himself yearning for his father's guidance more than ever. His wish is granted when his mother presents him with a gift left by their late father, which includes a letter, a mysterious spell, a staff, and a special gem that will give them one day with their father.

Magic in Onward serves as a metaphor for potential and is used to symbolize taking risks, believing in oneself, and trusting oneself. However, magic has been disappearing from the world, with only certain people able to do it and it requiring practice. With the introduction of technology, people found easier ways to do things, and magic became less common.

The production of Onward at Pixar Animation Studios was supported by producer Kori Rae, as well as producers John Cohen, Steven P. Wegner, and Alcon principals Andrew Kosove and Broderick Johnson. The voice cast included Chris Pratt, contributing to the film's success.

The filmmakers spent a significant amount of time defining what a modern fantasy setting might look like for Onward. Production designer Noah Klocek played a crucial role in this process, creating a world that has a modern aesthetic but where magic has been disappearing and is nearly forgotten.

Onward offers a fresh perspective on the traditional fantasy genre, presenting mythological creatures in a contemporary setting. It's a world where suburban life meets the fantastical, creating a balance between the familiar and the fantastic that will captivate audiences of all ages.