Movies and Media
Summary: Onward (2020) is a Pixar-animated film set in a fantasy world where magic has faded into everyday life. The story follows teenage elf brothers who embark on a quest that will allow them to temporarily bring back their dead father for one day. After an incomplete spell results in only their father's lower half reappearing, the brothers journey together to complete the spell before sunset. The film explores themes of death, family, and learning how to share that grief while honoring your own emotions.
Summary: Soul (2020) is a Pixar animated film that explores themes of purpose, passion, and the meaning of life. The story follows Joe Gardner, a middle school music teacher and aspiring jazz musician, who unexpectedly finds himself in the afterlife. The film combines jazz music, intentional animation, and vulnerable dialogue to create a narrative that presents death as transformative rather than final for the person (or soul) experiencing it.
Summary: Big Hero 6 (2015) is an animated film that follows Hiro Hamada, a young genius in robotics, who experiences deep grief after the loss of his brother, Tadashi. With the help of Baymax, an inflatable healthcare robot created by Tadashi, Hiro begins to heal and process his emotions. The unique circumstance of a robot like Baymax recognizing depression and grief as a non-physical ailment in Hiro can help children understand it’s okay to feel sad to the point of being sick even when nothing is physically wrong with you.
Summary: Okko’s Inn (2019) follows young Okko who moves to the countryside to live with her grandmother after a car accident that takes the lives of both Okko’s parents. At her grandmother’s inn, Okko discovers she can see friendly spirits who help her navigate her new life and responsibilities as the inn's junior caretaker. As she interacts with various guests, Okko learns valuable lessons about empathy, forgiveness, and the importance of serving others. This film is appropriate for young ages, however because the parents’ deaths are “off screen” and Okko can see their spirits along with the Inn spirits, children may need guidance to understand what happened.
Summary: What Comes After (2020) is a touching adventure game that helps players reflect on themes of life and death. In the game, players follow Vivi, a young woman who accidentally embarks on a journey through the afterlife on a train. Throughout the game, Vivi meets various souls with various stories and lessons to share. The game uses a gentle storytelling strategy to address complex emotions around grief and the value of life. With its warm art style and accessible gameplay, What Comes After can serve as a thoughtful way for parents to engage with children on the topics of loss and emotional healing or to start a conversation with children or teens experiencing depression.