“Onward” (2020), produced by Pixar Animation Studios and distributed by Walt Disney Pictures, is a heartwarming and magical animated adventure that explores themes of family, love, and the search for belonging. Directed by Dan Scanlon, the film takes place in a whimsical suburban fantasy world where mythical creatures have lost touch with their magical roots. With a unique storyline and unforgettable characters, “Onward” appeals to both children and adults, making it an emotional and fun watch for the whole family.
In this article, we will dive into the plot of Onward, its themes, and the reasons why you should watch it. We’ll also guide you on how to download or stream this enchanting movie.
About the Movie
- Genre: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy
- Language: English
- Director: Dan Scanlon
- Release Year: 2020
- Main Cast:
- Tom Holland as Ian Lightfoot
- Chris Pratt as Barley Lightfoot
- Julia Louis-Dreyfus as Laurel Lightfoot
- Octavia Spencer as The Manticore
- Ali Wong as Officer Spector
Set in a world where mythical creatures like elves, unicorns, and trolls have traded in their magic for modern conveniences, Onward follows two teenage elf brothers, Ian and Barley Lightfoot, on a quest to find out if there’s still magic left in their world. With the sudden loss of their father, the brothers embark on an epic adventure to reconnect with the magic they never knew, all while learning important life lessons along the way.
Plot Summary
The story of Onward begins in a magical world where creatures once used magic to perform everyday tasks, from cooking meals to flying through the sky. However, as time passed, technology took over, and the magic faded into the background. The film centers around Ian Lightfoot (voiced by Tom Holland), a shy and insecure 16-year-old elf, and his older brother, Barley (voiced by Chris Pratt), who is passionate about all things fantasy and magic.
On Ian’s 16th birthday, their mother, Laurel (voiced by Julia Louis-Dreyfus), gives the boys a special gift from their late father—a magical staff with a spell that could bring their father back for one day. However, the spell goes awry, and the brothers are left with only the bottom half of their father. With no time to waste, Ian and Barley set out on a quest to find the missing gem needed to complete the spell and bring their father back fully.
The journey takes them through a series of adventures, facing obstacles that challenge their abilities and their relationship as brothers. Along the way, they encounter the Manticore (voiced by Octavia Spencer), a once-feared mythical creature who helps them navigate through the final stages of their quest. As they work together, Ian and Barley discover that the magic they need was within them all along.
Themes Explored
- Family and Brotherhood
- At its core, Onward is a story about family and the bond between siblings. Ian and Barley’s relationship evolves over the course of the movie, as they learn to support each other despite their differences. The film shows that family is not just about blood but about the love and support you give to one another.
- The Power of Believing in Yourself
- A major theme of Onward is self-discovery. Ian starts off as a shy, uncertain teenager who feels inadequate compared to his more outgoing brother. As the story progresses, Ian learns to trust in himself and his abilities, showing that sometimes you have to believe in yourself to overcome the challenges life throws your way.
- Letting Go and Moving On
- The loss of their father is a central emotional plot point. While their quest to bring him back is the main driver of the story, the film also explores the themes of loss and closure. Ultimately, Ian and Barley realize that what they truly need from their father is not physical presence, but the lessons and memories he left behind.
- The Magic of Everyday Life
- In a world where magic has faded into the background, Onward encourages viewers to recognize the beauty and wonder in the small, everyday moments. The film illustrates that magic isn’t just about grand spells; it’s about love, connection, and the adventures we embark on in life.
Why You Should Watch Onward (2020)
- Heartwarming Story: Onward brings together an emotional story about family and growth, making it a movie that resonates with people of all ages. It’s perfect for both children looking for adventure and adults seeking a heartwarming story about love and self-discovery.
- Pixar Animation at Its Best: As expected from Pixar, the animation in Onward is visually stunning, with a vibrant and imaginative world full of creative details. The character designs are unique, and the world-building makes the fantastical elements feel alive and immersive.
- Engaging Characters: Ian and Barley are two very relatable characters, each with their own insecurities and strengths. Their dynamic is funny, emotional, and authentic, making them characters that viewers can connect with and root for.
- Great Voice Cast: The movie’s voice cast, which includes Tom Holland, Chris Pratt, and Octavia Spencer, delivers strong performances that add emotional depth and humor to the film. Holland and Pratt’s chemistry as brothers is particularly enjoyable.
- Perfect for the Whole Family: Onward is a movie that the entire family can enjoy. It balances fun and adventure with meaningful life lessons, making it a great choice for movie night.
Where to Watch or Download Onward (2020)
- Streaming Platforms
- Onward is available for streaming on Disney+, Disney’s official streaming platform. If you have a subscription to Disney+, you can stream the movie at any time.
- Digital Purchase or Rental
- You can rent or purchase Onward through digital platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Google Play Movies, YouTube Movies, and Vudu. These services allow you to buy or rent the movie in HD for a one-time fee.
- DVD/Blu-ray
- For those who prefer a physical copy, Onward is available on DVD and Blu-ray. You can find it for purchase from major retailers like Amazon, Walmart, and Best Buy.
- Cable and On-Demand
- Check your cable provider’s on-demand services to see if Onward is available for rental or purchase.
Fun Facts About the Movie
- Inspired by Director’s Life: Onward was inspired by director Dan Scanlon’s personal experiences with loss. Scanlon’s father passed away when he was young, and the film explores themes of missing a loved one and the importance of family.
- Musical Score: The soundtrack of Onward features a whimsical and emotional score composed by Jeff Danna and Mychael Danna, which adds depth to the film’s emotional moments.
- Pixar’s 22nd Feature Film: Onward marks the 22nd feature film produced by Pixar, continuing the studio’s tradition of creating emotionally resonant and visually stunning animated films.
Conclusion
Onward (2020) is a heartwarming and magical adventure that reminds us of the importance of family, self-discovery, and the magic in everyday life. With memorable characters, stunning animation, and an emotional story, it’s a must-watch for anyone who enjoys animated films with a deeper message.
For those interested in downloading Onward 2020 Hollywood movie, be sure to check out legitimate streaming services or digital rental platforms to enjoy this enchanting and heartfelt movie.
