By DAHJIA THOMAS, Arts Editor
The fairytale is never-ending as “Disenchanted” is set to release Nov. 18 on Disney+, the sequel to the classic film “Enchanted.” The trailer brought back fans who reminisced in the nostalgia of the first film, filled with wonder and unrealistic magic. However, just from the short two minutes viewers could see just how many plot twists are in the making.
The film is set ten years after the end of “Enchanted” and all seems perfect, except for a couple bumps ahead. Actors Patrick Dempsey, playing Robert Philip, and Amy Adams, playing Giselle, are brought to the real world as life starts becoming dull and drab. The first film focused on bringing Giselle from her animated dream life in Andalasia to a city plagued with rush hours and bus rides. The one takeaway was the cliche love conquers all as Giselle defeats the villain and is able to live happily ever after. Now, it’s endless days of commuting, taking care of their newborn, and dealing with an angsty teen daughter, the typical life of the average family. But amongst all the excitement, Giselle is left with the thought “is it too late to turn back?”
The main plot twist features a magic wishing wand, fitting the theme of the film. With this in her hand, she could wish for anything and everything, and she certainly does. Her only wish, like many young girls, is to have the perfect fairytale life. The belief that having a fairytale life will solve all of your problems is the beginning of her downfall, and eventual descent into “the dark side.” Waking up in the real world with her old lifestyle consumes her, changing the city into a breeding ground for singing and, we’re assuming, pre-choreographed dancing. All her friends and family have completely changed personalities, her husband, the average joe, now encapsulating a dashing prince to save the day.
Where the wickedness comes in is the curse Giselle is seemingly placed under. Unlike her usual Disney princess persona, she turns into this evil stepmother character with no love in her heart. It plays on the fact that in the first film, Giselle was only brought into the real world because she was pushed into a well, a unique parallel to how she treats Morgan, her stepdaughter. Comparing it to the life of Cinderella, it’s a nice touch from Disney.
The trailer almost mimics the first film, the plot line being good vs. evil. While the general idea is stereotypical, “Disenchanted” takes on the change and really nails the head on being careful what you wish for. Reality is a topic that everyone struggles with, the mundaneness of doing the same routine making us feel like we have nothing going for us. Giselle is a character that embodies that feeling, which is why it’s so easy for us to relate to her. We stand by her decisions and, like her, want that fairytale ending that isn’t within our grasp. It shows that while we all want that life, we should be grateful for what we have and make the most of it.
Seeing Giselle as the villain is something many won’t feel accustomed to while watching the trailer. It’s unusual but a plot line that keeps the story alive. Amy Adams is great at expressing the sweet innocence of Giselle while flipping the switch to play the classic evil Disney stepmother. Life may be difficult but, in the end, we truly hope that Giselle gets her happy ever after.
