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| Onward (2020) |
Title: Onward (2020): A Magical Journey of Brotherhood, Courage, and Self-Discovery
Released in 2020, Pixar’s Onward stands out as a heartfelt, imaginative, and emotional adventure that explores themes of family, loss, and personal growth. Directed by Dan Scanlon, the film takes viewers into a modern fantasy world filled with magic, mythical creatures, and heartfelt lessons about love and brotherhood.
While Onward may not be as commercially massive as other Pixar classics, it remains one of the studio’s most emotionally touching and underrated films. In this SEO-optimized article, we’ll explore the movie’s storyline, characters, themes, animation style, soundtrack, and critical reception, revealing why Onward (2020) continues to resonate deeply with audiences worldwide.
Plot Summary: A Modern Fantasy with a Heart
Set in a world once full of magic, Onward tells the story of two teenage elf brothers, Ian Lightfoot and Barley Lightfoot, who live in a suburban fantasy land. Over time, magic has faded from their world, replaced by modern technology like cars, smartphones, and electricity.
Ian, the shy and introverted younger brother, turns 16 and receives a mysterious gift left behind by his late father — a wizard’s staff, a rare gem, and a spell that can bring their dad back for one day. However, the spell goes wrong, and only the bottom half of their father’s body appears.
Determined to complete the spell, Ian and Barley embark on an epic road trip in their van “Guinevere” to find another Phoenix Gem, which will allow them to bring back their father fully before time runs out. Along their journey, they encounter magical creatures, face dangerous obstacles, and discover that true magic lies not in spells but in love, bravery, and brotherhood.
The Heart of the Story: A Tale of Brotherhood
At its core, Onward is a deeply personal story about the bond between siblings. Ian and Barley’s relationship mirrors the struggles many brothers face — love, frustration, admiration, and sacrifice.
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Ian Lightfoot (voiced by Tom Holland) is shy, cautious, and lacks confidence. He represents the part of us that fears failure and struggles to believe in our own potential.
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Barley Lightfoot (voiced by Chris Pratt) is the older, energetic, and optimistic brother — a dreamer who loves fantasy and history but often gets overlooked for being reckless.
Throughout their quest, Ian gradually gains courage and begins to see Barley not just as a goofball but as a true father figure. The emotional climax — when Ian realizes that Barley has been the supportive figure he always needed — delivers one of Pixar’s most powerful and tearful moments.
Onward beautifully shows that family love can fill the void of loss, and sometimes the person who has been guiding you all along isn’t who you expected — it’s your brother, your friend, your family.
Themes: Love, Loss, and Self-Discovery
Pixar films are known for deep emotional storytelling, and Onward (2020) is no exception. It blends fantasy and emotion to explore universal human themes:
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Grief and Healing – Ian and Barley’s adventure represents the process of healing after loss. It shows that even when someone is gone, their love and influence remain within us.
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Brotherhood and Family Bonds – The movie celebrates siblings who support each other through thick and thin, emphasizing that family is not defined by perfection but by care and sacrifice.
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Courage and Self-Confidence – Ian’s journey is one of self-discovery. As he learns magic, he also learns to believe in himself — symbolizing the power of inner strength and self-trust.
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Rediscovering Wonder – In a world that has forgotten magic, the brothers’ quest reminds everyone that curiosity and imagination are essential parts of life.
These heartfelt messages make Onward not just entertaining but also deeply reflective and inspiring.
World-Building and Animation
Pixar’s creativity shines through in Onward’s world — a blend of fantasy and modern reality. The movie introduces a universe where elves use cell phones, unicorns rummage through trash cans, and centaurs drive police cars.
The setting feels fresh and imaginative, filled with colorful landscapes, glowing spells, and mystical creatures. The animation team used detailed textures and lighting to create a believable mix of suburban life and magical adventure.
Highlights include:
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The Manticore’s Tavern, once a legendary inn now turned into a family restaurant.
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The Bridge Spell Scene, where Ian must cross a canyon using invisible magic.
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The Final Battle, where the brothers face a massive stone dragon made from school rubble — a perfect mix of humor, tension, and emotional payoff.
Every visual element of Onward contributes to its emotional storytelling, demonstrating Pixar’s mastery of both technology and heart.
Voice Acting and Character Performances
The film’s cast brings exceptional depth and warmth to the story:
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Tom Holland (Ian) perfectly captures the uncertainty, kindness, and gradual confidence of a teenage boy finding his place in the world.
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Chris Pratt (Barley) infuses Barley with charisma, humor, and heart — balancing the film’s comedy and emotional weight.
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Julia Louis-Dreyfus (Laurel Lightfoot) as the brothers’ loving mother adds maternal strength and comic charm.
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Octavia Spencer (The Manticore) steals scenes with her mix of fierce energy and reluctant heroism.
The chemistry between Holland and Pratt is particularly outstanding — their real-life friendship translates beautifully into the brothers’ bond, making every emotional scene hit even harder.
Music and Soundtrack
The score, composed by Mychael and Jeff Danna, perfectly complements the film’s adventurous and emotional tone. It combines traditional orchestral music with Celtic-inspired themes, creating an atmosphere that feels both magical and heartfelt.
The soundtrack also includes “Carried Me with You” by Brandi Carlile — a touching song that plays during the end credits, reinforcing the film’s message of love and remembrance.
Critical Reception and Box Office
Onward was released in early 2020, right before the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted global cinemas. Despite this unfortunate timing, the film received widespread critical praise for its emotional storytelling, humor, and stunning animation.
It earned over $140 million worldwide before being moved to digital platforms and Disney+. Critics praised it for blending adventure with heartfelt emotion, calling it a “modern fairy tale about love and loss.”
The film was nominated for:
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Academy Award for Best Animated Feature
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Golden Globe Award for Best Animated Feature Film
Though it didn’t win, Onward remains a beloved and underrated gem in Pixar’s collection.
Symbolism and Emotional Resonance
Onward is filled with metaphors that give the story deeper meaning. The idea of “bringing back someone who’s gone” symbolizes the universal desire to reconnect with lost loved ones. However, the film’s twist — that Ian never gets to meet his father — makes the message even more profound.
Instead of focusing on what’s missing, the movie celebrates what we already have. Ian realizes that the love, wisdom, and courage he sought were always with him through Barley. This emotional lesson resonates with anyone who’s ever felt the pain of loss or the beauty of gratitude.
Conclusion
Onward (2020) is a magical adventure filled with humor, heart, and meaning. More than just a fantasy film, it’s a touching exploration of brotherhood, courage, and emotional growth. Pixar once again succeeds in crafting a story that entertains children while deeply moving adults.
With its rich world-building, emotional storytelling, and unforgettable characters, Onward reminds us that even when the magic fades, love and family are what keep our world truly alive.
It’s a story about finding strength in loss, love in the ordinary, and magic within ourselves — proving that sometimes, the most incredible journeys are the ones that bring us home.
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