If, like me, you've watched Encanto more times than you can count and found yourself wondering what makes this movie so enchanting, you’re not alone. From the very beginning, when Abuela Alma’s courage shines through in the face of tragedy, the film hooks you with its heartfelt story and stunning visuals. The movie’s universal appeal is clear—its gorgeous animation, catchy music, and compelling narrative about breaking generational trauma and family sacrifice resonate deeply. But for many moms, it’s the relatability of each character that makes Encanto endlessly watchable, even for the 27th time.
When the movie first premiered, there was a buzz about picking a favorite character, thanks to quizzes and social media posts. But I find it impossible to choose just one because each character reflects a different facet of the modern mom’s experience—each one wearing a hat that women are expected to manage with grace and without complaint. So, let’s dive into how each member of the Madrigal family mirrors the multitasking, sometimes chaotic, but always loving lives of mothers everywhere. Welcome to the family Madrigal!
Mirabel Madrigal: The Overlooked Organizer
Mirabel might be the only Madrigal without a magical gift, but if she were a mom, she’d be the unsung hero managing carpool schedules, school projects, and the never-ending search for missing socks. She’s the one with the color-coded family calendar that even Martha Stewart would admire. Mirabel’s true superpower? Turning everyday chaos into memorable moments while keeping her sense of humor intact. Just like Mirabel, many moms quietly support everyone else, never quite living up to their own high expectations, yet still managing to celebrate and support their family’s milestones, even as they feel the sting of time passing.
Maribel's relationship with Antonio is an illustration of the thief that is time to every mother. Antonio growing up is a loss to Mirabel that she still needs to celebrate, and she does. Regardless of how much it hurts, she is the one walks him to his door, she is the one that lends him strength. And she is genuinely full of both joy and heartache for him as he moves away from her.
Isabela Madrigal: The Picture-Perfect Perfectionist
Isabela is the epitome of having it all together—her garden is pristine, her kids look impeccable, and she’s always put together. If you need advice on achieving perfection in life (or just in your backyard), Isabela’s your go-to. But beneath the surface lies the heavy burden of living up to impossible standards and the feeling of being trapped in a role that requires her to always be beautiful, calm, and flawless. What woman hasn’t felt the pressure to appear perfect while carrying the weight of everyone’s expectations?
Luisa Madrigal: The Rock of Strength
Luisa’s superpower is her immense strength, and if she were a mom, she’d be the one lifting everyone’s spirits—and heavy furniture—effortlessly. Her real strength, though, is emotional support; she bears the weight of her family’s worries while making sure everyone feels cherished. When Luisa sings about her own pressures, it’s a powerful moment that many moms can relate to. Her lyrics touch on the mental load of motherhood, making us feel seen and understood in our own struggles to balance being a pillar of strength while managing our personal burdens.
Pepa Madrigal: The Emotional Weather Forecaster
Pepa’s ability to control the weather reflects the mom who’s always attuned to family moods and forecasts the emotional climate. Whether it’s preparing for a sunny day or a sudden storm, Pepa’s weather predictions are a metaphor for managing family dynamics and emotional ups and downs. Yet, her gift also comes with blame, both external and self imposed, and the heavy responsibility of controlling her emotions perfectly—never letting herself be too upset or overwhelmed.
Camilo Madrigal: The Adaptable Jack-of-All-Trades
Camilo’s shapeshifting powers make him the mom who can morph into whatever role is needed, from soccer coach to art teacher. His adaptability means he’s always ready to meet his family’s needs, but this flexibility often leaves him feeling invisible and unnoticed. Beneath his many roles is a clever, humorous side that’s rarely seen but essential to his identity.
Bruno Madrigal: The Sacrificing Seer
Bruno is the character who embodies the hidden struggles of sacrifice and isolation. He’s surrounded by loved ones yet feels profoundly alone, reflecting the danger of losing oneself while constantly giving for the sake of family. His quirks and fears, especially his anxiety about an unpredictable future, resonate deeply with parents who grapple with the sacrifices they make and the gifts they set aside. Bruno’s journey makes us question the cost of our selflessness and the personal dreams we might neglect.
And let’s not forget, no one talks about Bruno.
Julieta Madrigal: The Healing Chef
Julieta’s culinary healing powers symbolize the quintessential “mom remedy”—using food, love, and care to mend physical and emotional wounds. Just like Julieta’s meals bring comfort, many moms possess the magical ability to heal with their cooking, hugs, and unconditional love. Her nurturing role perfectly mirrors how moms become the emotional anchors of their families, making everything better with their care and compassion.
Dolores Madrigal: The Super Listener
Dolores’ superhuman hearing makes her the ultimate “mom who hears everything”—she’s attuned to every whisper and cry for help. Her ability to listen closely mirrors how many moms pick up on every subtle change in their children’s moods and needs. Despite her gift, Dolores often feels misunderstood and burdened with family secrets, reflecting the way moms are sometimes expected to handle everything without always being fully heard or appreciated.
This begs the question, within the confines of picking one, who am I, and who are the women like me? I would argue that we are casita. We house all the characters, and shoulder all their individual burdens and expectation. And, like in the movie, as the gifts and responsibilities become too much, we begin to crack and unable to fulfil the central purpose of protecting our family. But we stand strong because of the Encanto. We have the magic, blessing our loved ones with magic that comes from compact of sacrifice for the family, painful and beautiful. Mourned silently and celebrated enthusiastically.
The last song of the movie is about butterflies who love each other but grow and change so much they do not even recognize each other anymore. How often as mothers so we feel like we don’t recognize ourselves? There is an arch as we question if the gifts are really curses and realize that when we make an effort to find and be ourselves the gifts become strengths. As each character heals and as they are seen, there is a shedding of loneliness and overwhelming feeling of catharsis for us too. With boundaries and selfcare, we are strong like Louisa and can be strong for the people we love. With creativity and self-expression we are more beautiful than when we conform to the standard. With appreciation and acceptance and love we begin to rediscover ourselves and our strengths as we navigate the evolving journey of motherhood..
