Soul

Main Plot

Soul follows the story of Joe Gardner, a middle school music teacher with dreams of becoming a professional jazz musician. Just as he gets his big break to perform with a renowned jazz band, an unexpected accident separates his soul from his body, sending him to the Great Before, a place where souls develop personalities before heading to Earth. Desperate to return to his life, Joe teams up with 22, a soul who has never found a reason to live on Earth. Together, they embark on a journey through the metaphysical realms, exploring themes of purpose, passion, and what it truly means to live. As Joe mentors 22 in finding her spark, he gains new insights into his own life and the nature of happiness. The film blends humor and heart, offering a poignant reflection on the importance of appreciating the small moments that make life meaningful.

Characters

• Jamie Foxx voices Joe Gardner, a passionate jazz musician whose journey through the afterlife leads to self-discovery and a renewed appreciation for life.
• Tina Fey voices 22, a soul hesitant about life on Earth, whose journey with Joe Gardner helps her discover the value of living.
• Graham Norton voices Moonwind, a mystical sign twirler who helps guide lost souls, aiding Joe in his journey back to the living world.

Ending Explained

In the movie Soul, the ending sees Joe Gardner, a middle school band teacher and aspiring jazz musician, coming to a profound realization about life. After spending much of the film trying to return to his body on Earth to fulfill his dream of performing, Joe learns that life is not just about achieving one's dreams but about appreciating the small, everyday moments that make life meaningful. In the final scenes, Joe helps 22, a soul who has struggled to find her purpose, to gain a new perspective on life. By showing her the beauty in simple experiences, Joe helps 22 earn her Earth pass, allowing her to begin her life on Earth. Joe, having returned to his body, is given a second chance at life by the universe's cosmic entities, the Jerrys. He decides to embrace this opportunity with a newfound appreciation for the present moment. The ending resolves the main conflict by shifting Joe's focus from a singular goal to a broader understanding of life's value. This conclusion ties into the film's overall narrative, emphasizing the importance of living fully and finding joy in the journey rather than solely in the destination.