Monday, November 2, 2026
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Cherryville, NC (WNN) - As Halloween comes to an end, another celebration begins. November 1 and 2 mark Día de los Muertos, also known as the Day of the Dead, a Mexican tradition honoring loved ones who have passed away. One Disney and Pixar film captures this tradition while telling a beautiful story about family, music, and remembrance. This is a spoiler-free review.
Coco, directed by Lee Unkrich and co-directed by Adrian Molina, follows 12-year-old Miguel Rivera, a young boy who dreams of becoming a musician in a household where music is forbidden. Despite his family's wishes, Miguel refuses to give up his passion.
Movie still from Coco (2017) showcasing some of Miguel's deceased ancestors.
On Día de los Muertos, Miguel (played by Anthony Gonzalez) is transported to the Land of the Dead, where he encounters generations of his ancestors. Along the way, he meets a musician named Héctor (played by Gael García Bernal), and together they begin uncovering the truth behind Miguel's family history.
At its heart, Coco is a beautiful exploration of Día de los Muertos. Rather than following the typical spooky portrayal of the afterlife, the film turns it into a vibrant celebration of life and remembrance. The story centers around the traditional ofrenda, a family altar decorated with photographs, marigolds, candles, and personal belongings. These displays are created to honor loved ones and welcome their spirits home during the celebration.
However, Pixar takes this tradition a step further by making the family photographs an important part of the storyline. A missing piece of a photograph becomes one of the film's biggest mysteries and eventually reveals the truth about Miguel's family.
There is more to the photograph than Miguel initially realizes. While he needs his family's blessing to return to the living world, the photograph holds the key to saving Héctor from what the film calls the "Final Death." In the Land of the Dead, a spirit eventually disappears when no one in the living world remembers them. It becomes a storytelling element that connects the cultural tradition of remembering loved ones directly to the film's central conflict. The message is simple but powerful: being remembered keeps a person's story alive.
Movie still from Coco (2017) with the main character Miguel playing his ancestor's guitar.
Since the movie is a fantasy-adventure musical, music plays a major role throughout. Its most recognizable song carries the biggest emotional message. "Remember Me" is more than just a musical message. The song reminds viewers that remembering someone is one way their legacy continues. The song went on to win the Academy Award for Best Original Song in 2018.
One thing I'd like to make note of is the use of color throughout the film. From the bright orange marigolds to the colorful buildings and decorations, every scene feels full of life. Mexican traditions and folk art inspire these visuals. Rather than portraying the afterlife as a dark and scary place, Disney and Pixar create a world full of music, lights, and vibrant colors. This reinforces the central theme that Día de los Muertos is not about mourning death, but celebrating life and honoring the people who came before us.
I give Coco five hoots for its storytelling and cultural impact. The film made history and became the highest-grossing film of all time in Mexico at the time of its release, surpassing The Avengers. So, celebrate the Day of the Dead by watching the 2017 hit film Coco.
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