Vivo Review – The Best Animated Film of The Year

Vivo Review – This musically gifted Kinkajou will play your heartstrings like a fiddle in what is easily the best animated film in years.

Earlier today, Netflix released the official trailer for Vivo, which introduced us all to a musical kinkajou named Vivo. Vivo (Lin-Manuel Miranda) lives in Cuba with his owner Andrés (Juan de Marcos) where they delight the people in the town square with their music. That is, until Andrés receives an invitation to play with his former music partner, and the love of his life, famed musician Marta Sandoval (Gloria Estefan) at her farewell show. Andrés is touched and realizes it’s the perfect chance to finally give her his love letter written many years ago. Now it is up to Vivo to get the letter to Marta and he can’t do it without the help of Gabi (Ynairaly Simo).

Vivo is easily the best animated film of the year and during quarantine times, and in my opinion, the best animated film in years. Sony Pictures Animation has consistently been raising the bar and pushing the boundaries of animated films with the likes of Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse and The Mitchells vs The Machines. They have cracked the code and not only fully utilize the medium and technology to create visual masterpieces but they have also mastered the ability to make a film “targeted” for younger audiences but reach every and all ages. Needless to say, this Vivo review is going to be very positive.

Sony Pictures Animation has been pushing the boundaries of the animation genre since Into the Spider-Verse. The magical blend of CGI and what looks like hand-drawn animation, a masterful integration of the contrasting 2D and 3D look to create a stunning visual spectacle is becoming somewhat of a signature of their animated features. Vivo does not employ this in the same way as Sony Pictures Animation previous films, but does utilize 2D scenes to reflect and amplify emotions. The shift of dimensions brings viewers into a whole new space and creates a fulfilling sense of time traveled. The loss of visual depth is equally replaced with emotional depth, with no loss of visual quality. Combined with the film’s music, it creates pure awe and wonder akin to being at a Broadway show.

The music is the heart and soul of the film. The original music of Lin-Manuel Miranda is incredible and full of energy. Miranda’s ability to blend and cross genres within every song is truly outstanding and brings a unique energy to the film the differentiates from Disney animated musicals. A feat made even more impressive considering Miranda has also composed songs for Disney animated musicals. A truly boundless musical talent.

It should come to no surprise that Miranda is able to perform his songs flawlessly. His portrayal of Vivo is sure to get many to purchase Vivo merchandise. But what is wonderfully surprising is Ynairaly Simo who matches, if not outshines, Miranda with her performance of Gabi. Gabi’s song, ‘My Own Drum’ will be a very popular song that I think has the chance to hit ‘Cups’ level of popularity. Simo’s performance is absolutely wonderful and steals every scene she’s in. Every aspect of her character from performance to design stands out and resonates as a plucky free-spirited girl who will not be prevented from being herself. She perfectly captures to free spirit and soul of music the film is imbued with.

Sony Pictures Animation and Netflix’s Vivo is unequivocally the best animated film of the year, and I truly believe the best animated film in years. It perfectly blends visual and audio experiences into a fun, dance-inducing performance that is as much fun and hijinx as it is emotional and dramatic. The visual, audio, and emotional spectrum Vivo guidesaudiences through will bring audiences together for pure joy, heartbreak, and love. Tears of all kinds will be shed, and Vivo’s rhythm will beat in the hearts of its audience for generations to come. Vivo is pure magic, and for that my Vivo review gets a 5/5.

Vivo releases globally on Netflix, Friday, August 6, 2021.