Disney Pixar's 'Onward' Blends Magic and Suburbia in a Tale of Grief

Disney Pixar's new animated film 'Onward – Oltre la magia' premieres in Italian cinemas on August 19, 2020, after being postponed from its original April 16 release. Directed by Dan Scanlon, the film follows two elf brothers, Ian and Barley, who receive a magical staff that can resurrect their deceased father for 24 hours. The spell only partially works, bringing back just the father's legs, sending the brothers on a quest to complete the resurrection. Scanlon, who previously directed 'Monsters University' (2013), based the story on his own experience of growing up without a father. The film explores themes of family, brotherhood, and moving forward after loss, drawing inspiration from fantasy literature and role-playing games like 'Dungeons & Dragons' while maintaining a realistic, suburban setting. Italian voice cast includes Sabrina Ferilli, Fabio Volo, Favij, Raul Cremona, and David Parenzo. The film has been compared to Pixar's 'Coco' for its handling of death, but Scanlon emphasizes that 'Onward' focuses on life continuing rather than memory. The director describes the film as a tribute to those who support us, stating, 'There is always someone who has helped us, and this is my very personal way to thank them.'