We need to talk about Bruno: What does the movie Encanto tell us about weirdos in the family

January 14, 2022

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  We need to talk about Bruno: What does the movie Encanto tell us about weirdos in the family

  A lot of movie watchers have been sharing their opinions about how Disney’s Encanto captivates our family-oriented culture. 

  Many can relate with how the eldest sister, Luisa, takes all the pressure from the responsibility given to her. Or how Luisa feels choked with being the “perfect daughter” in the eyes of the public every single day. Majority says they see themselves as the movie’s main character, Mirabel, who’s always feeling left out in the family.

  However, one that struck me the most is what Mirabel said to her Tío Bruno after they met for the first time in the movie;

  “Sometimes family weirdos just get a bad rap.”

  And this hits a lot especially when there’s a moment in the movie where no one wants to talk about Tío Bruno, the family’s own version of weird.

  FOR THOSE WHO HAVEN’T WATCHED ENCANTO YET, THIS IS A SPOILER WARNING FOR YOU.

  Anyway in the movie, there’s a song and dance number, “We Don’t Talk About Bruno.” Members of the Madrigal family explained how Bruno always tells them about their misfortunes and somehow brings it upon them.

  They portrayed Bruno too as this scary and menacing villain that everyone should be afraid of. But when Mirabel meets her, he is just a guy who happens to have a very unique personality. Apparently, his gifts made him lose his confidence since his family thinks he’s a bad omen.

  His story revolves around “leaving” Casita because of his vision about how Mirabel will either make or break the family. He didn’t want to bring this bad news to the family, especially after they found out that Mirabel doesn’t have gifts unlike the rest of her family.

  He chose to hide himself within the walls of Casita, watching over his family. Protecting them by patching all those cracks he thought he made himself. This part is one of the saddest yet unexplored storylines in Encanto.

  Just like in Encanto, every member of your family has gifts, just different ways to present them.

  The Madrigal family possesses different gifts. Luisa is super strong, Isabela can grow flowers, etc. The community thinks that all these gifts could help them with their daily lives, except Bruno. So, no one wants Bruno to be around since he always brings bad news.

  However, Bruno is trying his best to make good use of his gifts. The members of the Madrigal family just don’t see it that way. Bruno represents the taboo part of our family-oriented culture. Those “freaks” who have different dreams than their parents and siblings. 

  These “weirdos” were always tagged as black sheeps even if they didn’t do anything wrong in the family. No one wants to talk about that family member who has a very unusual career path during every family reunion. Yet, all they want is to get support and love from their families.

  They are the ones who always look after those who are left out because they know the feeling when no one wants to talk to you. They are the more understanding siblings and always prioritize the welfare of the family.

  Sweetie, I hope we also do the same to them. Let there be no left out family members during reunions or gatherings. After all, your family should be the one to clap in your victories and hug you in your defeats.

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