Pixar’s Soul is Proof that White Creators Need Black Voices

With the intentional feedback of qualified Black creators, the film was a success. Without it, it would’ve been a hot mess.

So, let me get this out of the way early. For me, Pixar’s “Soul” is a triumph of animated filmmaking.

I loved, loved, loved this film.

And coming from me, that says a lot. I’m not a universal fan of Pixar in the way that a lot of people in my age bracket are, mostly because the fact that I don’t have children means I’m not subjected to rewatching Pixar movies over and over. I’m sure that if, like a lot of my contemporaries, I’d spent the last two decades raising several young ones, I’d have memorized some of the best moments from Monsters, Inc., Finding Nemo, Up and Inside Out because they’re way, way better than most of the animated schlock aimed at children.

But that’s not me. I like Pixar movies, but I’m not, like, crazy about them. (Don’t tell anyone, but I never even saw Toy Story 4.)

So I judge Pixar movies not as children’s movies, but simply as movies. And honestly, without knowing much else, if you tell me you’ve got a buddy comedy with Jamie Foxx and Tina Fey as leads, you’ve got my attention. Add in supporting performances from…