‘Frozen 2’ review: an existential but funny coming of age story

With Disney’s fondness for live-action remakes, it’s hard not to be excited for an original fairytale like Frozen. After all, when the movie first hit cinemas back in 2013 it became an instant classic.

Now, six years later, Disney has brought the story back to life with an added dose of hilarity and existentialism. In fact, Frozen 2 is so deeply rooted in themes of love, death and coming of age that it will leave you feeling a little winded.

Without giving too much of the plot’s twists away, however, here are Frozen 2‘s most outstanding themes.

Elsa and Anna’s relationship

Following the events of Frozen, Anna and Elsa have a new-found but strong sisterly relationship that turns out to be quite complex.

Anna is particularly attached to her older sister and a little obsessed with being there for her, even to a point where she might put herself in danger to stay by the Queen’s side.

Elsa, meanwhile, is terribly conflicted with her duties as a queen and her true purpose, which takes her (and everyone else) on a journey to find the source of her powers.

This also takes Anna and the rest of the cast down a path of introspection too, where the princess quite literally learns to fend for herself without her sister.

By the end of it, the sisters find balance between who they are meant to be, their relationship and their duties. The arc of their bond is incredibly human, and might leave you feeling a little too emotional.

Olaf’s existential crisis

Throughout the movie, Olaf asks all the questions you’d probably hear from someone whose questioning their existence and the meaning of life.

Though the comic relief is hilarious, Olaf tackles the concept of death, change and growing up in ways that will definitely give younger audience members a few new things to think about.

Though he’s worried about the future, however, the snowman convinces himself that it will all make sense when he is older. This in itself comes off hilariously as well, because wisdom does not necessarily come with age.

Olaf’s journey is sweet, innocent, heart-wrenching and little too deep at times, but the snowman serves as a mirror for the teenagers in the audience who probably watched the first movie when they were children.

Kristoff’s battle with feelings

Kristoff is ready to pop the question in Frozen 2, but not entirely confident about it. Though he’s more of a side character in the movie, trying to interject his proposal at the worst times, Kristoff’s battle with his feelings for Anna is another strong theme with a great arc.

In fact, Kristoff eventually comes to terms with his feelings by belting out a ridiculously funny 80s-style song. But, the character stays true to his love for Anna and isn’t afraid to admit how he feels.

Of course, having a male character address his feelings openly was refreshing to see. Kristoff also transforms from slightly love-sick to confident and secure, another great teaching moment for younger audiences.

So, is it worth the watch?

If you’re up for something from Disney that’s not entirely predictable and filled with magic that you can relate to on a human level, Frozen 2 is definitely worth watching.

The movie will have you smiling throughout with a constant supply of cute and funny moments. In between all its lightness, however, Frozen 2 is also quite heavy on the existentialism and even mental health.

Consider that you might have an influx of uncomfortably deep questions on the car ride home if you’re taking young kids to watch the movie.

If all else fails, however, go see Frozen 2 for the beautifully animated aesthetics.

The movie will debut in South Africa on 6 December 2019.

Feature image: screenshot, Walt Disney Animation Studios via YouTube