Disney released the movie ‘Soul’ last December. The plot of the story is just as amazing as its animation.

It is the story of a jazz musician, stuck in his mediocre job until the day he finally gets his big break. When by chance or fate – a wrong step that takes him to the Great Before – he helps an infant soul and returns back home with nothing but a new perspective about life.

This evidently sounds like the plot of a movie named Soul. While watching it, there may be some moments when you feel something is quite philosophical and you have to pause it and actually absorb what it’s saying.

I’m here to break down those unreal moments into smaller chunks for you till you watch the movie. 

[Warning – Spoilers ahead! Just telling even though this movie is to be watched for the experience rather than the suspense (which isn’t even there)]

The Fine Line Between Being In The Zone And Being Obsessed With Something

Our protagonist, the middle school teacher Joe goes to get help from Moonwind, a guy who helps the lost souls from the zone find their way back. When you feel you are really into something it feels like you’re in another place. You feel like you are in the zone. Moonwind tells that that place is the zone. It’s the space between the physical and the spiritual. 

So, the zone is a good place right?

Yes. and no. 

Moonwind tells us that the zone is enjoyable, but when that joy becomes an obsession, one becomes disconnected from life, hence becoming a lost soul.

You must have seen in real life (or in other movies like Arjun in ZNMD) too, people who were passionate about their work, get absolutely disconnected from other parts of their life and kind of become lost. 

They just can’t let go of their anxieties and obsessions leaving them lost and disconnected from their life.

If You Saw Your Life As An Outsider, Would You Be Proud Of It?

When Joe is trapped in the mystical plane of existence between this world and the next, life and death, he sees his entire life as an exhibit in a hall. All of his life events are arranged chronologically and he can see himself as if he is seeing someone else. Looking at a few moments from his childhood brings a smile on his face. But as his life progresses he starts to become dissatisfied and upset because he felt that his life amounted to nothing and was meaningless.

It feels kinda out of character for me to say something cynical like this, but if you were in Joe’s position would you be happy with what you have accomplished in life till now?

Did you ever take a step back and think about what your life would look like to someone else? What do they see when they’re looking at not only the good but also all of the bad things that have happened in your life.

If I were an outsider, judging me by just observing everything from afar without any access or knowledge about who I really am – I’d say I was nice to everyone and cheerful most of the time but I guess that’s about it. 

I would like to look back and be remembered for working hard, having an unbreakable will and being supremely dedicated in whatever I do (none of which I have right now honestly). Brb, that’s my call to be, do or at least work towards something meaningful.

Think of it like going to an amusement park and then returning back home. After you’re home do you regret the rollercoasters you did not ride? Because I sure do. 

Consider the rides things you’d like to do. 

And then do them, because you’re still in the amusement park.

Yeah, that was more like me.

I know this got very serious but it be like that sometimes tho.

I can see why someone commented “existential crisis for 8 year olds” under the movie’s trailer.

I’d like to know how you would look at your current life as an exhibition and what you want it to look like. 

I have some more deep, some not very deep lessons from this movie. Let me know if you’d like to read them too.