“I made a wish…on a star. And the star answered.” –Asha
Every once in a while, a film comes along that makes your heart soar, and for me, Wish did precisely that.
The tale welcomes audiences to the Kingdom of Rosas and follows 17-year-old Asha (Ariana DeBose), a quick-witted idealist, on her quest to become the king’s newest apprentice. Enthralled by the magic of King Magnifico (Chris Pine) to grant wishes for as long as she can remember, Asha is excited and extremely nervous to work for the king potentially. However, when she learns that nothing is as it seems and some wishes have been given to the king that may never be granted, Asha questions and ultimately challenges Magnifico – much to the king’s dismay.
After the king taunts Asha, using his abilities and choices to break her spirit, Asha decides that Magnifico’s ways are not something she can stand behind. However, unsure of what she can do to change things, the teen makes a wish upon a star, and the ever-so-cute ball of energy answers her call. Confused and a little frightened at first, Asha bonds with Star, and together, Asha and Star devise a plan to save everyone’s wishes. But, of course, Magnifico won’t allow such a thing to happen that easily.
Directed by Fawn Veerasunthorn and Chris Buck, Wish is a culmination of all the animated Disney films that came before it. Not only does it include a fair few callbacks and Easter eggs featuring Disney’s past films throughout, but it is inspired by the old magic that solidified Disney animated films as some of the best. Capturing that magic is always particularly difficult when there are many charming and beloved films in Disney’s pantheon. Still, while Wish is a love letter to past films, it also readily stands on its own. Boasting jaw-droppingly gorgeous animation, lovable characters, beautiful songs and an essential message for all viewers who can watch it, Wish undoubtedly solidifies itself as a bright new classic.
Of course, a massive part of this is thanks to the outstanding cast. Once again, Ariana DeBose has come to slay. She is pitch-perfect as Asha in every way, completely embodying her quirks, enthusiasm, and bright spirit with ease. From her performance in West Side Story as Anita, we already know that DeBose has a lovely singing voice, and she brought that talent along for her portrayal of Asha. Whether in Asha’s main song, “This Wish,” or the duet with Pine’s Magnifico, “At All Costs,” DeBose maintains Asha’s beautiful singing voice, making for some of the film’s best and most emotional moments.
Speaking of the king, Magnifico is probably the best-written Disney villain the films have had in a while. I don’t think I’ve seen a character so invested in looking at themselves in mirrors since Gaston from Beauty and the Beast and the Evil Queen from Snow White and the Seven Dwarves. With his sorcery, the mirror-loving Magnifico was also reminiscent of Ursula from The Little Mermaid and Dr. Facilier from The Princess and the Frog. As the disarmingly charming and handsome but also vain and arrogant Magnifico, Pine put forth a fantastic performance. It was also lovely to hear his set of pipes get to shine. However, his villain song, “This Is The Thanks I Get,” is not as iconic as past songs like “Poor Unfortunate Souls” or “Be Prepared,” but the visuals in the sequence make up for where the song stumbles.
The original songs by singer-songwriter Julia Michaels and record producer Benjamin Rice shine brightly throughout the film. Giving life to the story and providing emotional weight in many scenes, including “At All Costs” (no, I will never shut up about this song, and I hope it will be an Academy Award nominee so I can witness DeBose and Pine perform it live) and the reprise of “This Wish” near the film’s finale. The songs add to an already beautiful film in tandem with the stunning animation, visuals, and cast performances.
However, the best thing about Wish is the messages the story weaves throughout the movie. Firstly, it was a delight to see a city filled with so much diversity, where all are welcomed regardless of where they came from or what they look like. The Kingdom of Rosas is a welcoming place for all. The audience will likely see themselves on-screen in some form, whether in Asha, her group of friends, or the townspeople with their many wishes and hopes. The film lets everyone know that they are all stars who shine brightly in the tapestry of Rosas in their own right. Despite being different individuals with various dreams, we are all each other’s counterparts, and this interconnectivity should bring us together and not set people apart.
Wish brilliantly blends timely themes, phenomenal performances, melodic music and dazzling animation to create another instant animated classic.
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