SPOILER Alert! This review contains SPOILERS! Consider yourself alerted!
Almost everybody can recognize the iconic Frozen song Let It Go. Like many moms, I’m subjected to my toddler’s ardor for everything Elsa. But while the original Frozen film did not live up to my expectations, its enlightened sequel was like watching a child grow into an inspirational and mature young adult. As catchy and empowering as the forerunner’s music is (I just can’t “Let It Go”) along with the heartwarming theme, Frozen 2 embarks into unknown and albeit darker territory. But true to Disney form, there is always a silver lining. In this case, it is a gleaming dawn!
As an author, I’ve been vocal about my Frozen criticism mainly due to its weak plot and cliche and obvious theme of “love conquers all”. Especially when Anna and Elsa are hardly good sister role models, nor are they the only sibling Disney trope (Nani and Lilo, anyone?). However, Frozen 2 provides a mesmerizing quest for the truth. Unlike in the first film where Elsa’s powers were out of control and she was ruled by fear, her motive in the sequel is one of passion and drive prompted by the forces of nature. To discover what siren is calling to her in her waking dreams, Elsa is determined to embark “into the unknown” to seek answers to the past. That unknown happens to be the mystical realm of Northuldra (inspired by the indigenous Sami people of Norway which is where the confusing tribal chant at Frozen’s beginning originated). Our relentless past heroine and sister, Anna refuses to be left behind and demands sisters do this quest together. Anna’s strong courage and sisterly devotion transcends the simple annoyance and naive tenacity she previously exhibited in Frozen. Olaf is still our comedic relief constant with wise-beyond-his-years quotes. Humorously ironic considering his main song “When I Get Older”! Kristoff has lost every bit of his gruffness from the first film and displays his undying loyalty as well as a necessary and rare gem of supportive love.
The transformation and even resurrection of Frozen 2 characters is palpable. What is perhaps the best scene and the trigger to the most heart wrenching encounters is Elsa’s willingness to make the ultimate sacrifice for the truth and to right the wrongs of a past that were not her fault. But we can all learn the lessons that parallel to modern culture that while the sins of the past may not be our fault, those with power or privilege or opportunity can make a difference by taking responsibility and atoning for those wrongs:
For Elsa, atoning means *SPOILER* diving deeper into the truth and becoming a frozen statue. This is even more of a sacrifice after discovering her true identity as well as the source and expansion of her powers I.e “Show yourself. Step into your power. Throw yourself into something new.” For Anna, it is doing “The Next Right Thing” and moving forward even when all hope is lost – even when she is all alone in the darkest of places. “So, I’ll walk through this night, stumbling blindly toward the light…” For Kristoff, it is supporting Anna. This is important to note, hence why I’m deviating…
At one point of the film, Anna doggedly follows Elsa down the path of truth; she must leave behind a conflicted Kristoff who is “lost in the woods” where he ponders whether he should follow Anna. “It’s always fine, I probably could catch up with you tomorrow…” However, he realizes that Anna is his true compass much like the siren call is Elsa’s and Elsa and her quest is Anna’s. So, Kristoff charges forward in manly prowess? No, he models a steadfastness by remaining behind to wait for a sign. The lesson goes beyond how waiting does not mean passivity. Due to Kristoff’s patience and willingness to process his emotions and thoughts (he even challenges his own self through Sven “come on, Kristoff, let down your guard), he is in the right place at the right time to support Anna in a huge way…and even to save her life!
Against all odds, Anna’s courage and prowess reaches monumental heights when she thrusts herself into direct danger to provoke the rock giants to destroy a dam that was *SPOILER* a trick and not a gift. Elsa gave her life to bring the truth, Anna gave her all to save the day, and Kristoff gave his support. He didn’t falter. He doesn’t try to stop her from giving her all. He doesn’t insist on stepping onto the dam instead of her. He trusts her. This is huge considering where their relationship began: “I don’t trust your judgement,” he quoted in the first film. However, in the woods with the rock giants pounding around them, Kristoff simply scoops her up onto Sven and says, “I’m here. What do you need?” What a beautiful portrait of mutuality. And a role model for boys everywhere when he tells Anna “my love is not fragile.” It’s no wonder Kristoff is being hailed as the best Disney Prince.
While this display of pleasing partnership already sent the film soaring far higher than its forerunner, Frozen 2 excels with the relationship between Elsa and Anna. Despite remaining true to her pattern of shutting Anna out yet again, Elsa’s act of sending Anna away looks different. After embarking into uncharted territory together and even grieving the loss of their parents, it is time for Elsa to voyage on her own. It isn’t Anna’s quest anymore. Little wonder Anna still tries to pursue even after she’s sent over a waterfall in an ice boat. However, it’s not until *SPOILER* Anna saves the day and restores harmony that Elsa *SPOILER* can fulfill her desire to save Arendelle. But her supernatural ice powers are not the true star. She is very clear when facing a joyful, tear-stricken Anna that it was her little sister who did the right thing and saved her and everyone once again. Except Elsa goes further in acknowledging Anna’s sacrifice. Elsa recognizes the true greatness and sacrifice Anna has proven since the beginning. It is what makes Anna worthy of *SPOILER* the throne of Arendelle! Elsa’s true calling is in Northuldra.
(Sidenote: I always wanted Anna to become Queen!)
It’s no wonder there’s been more criticism of Frozen 2. It’s not a snowflake light message. It packs the power of a glacier. It steps into unknown territory with a willingness to break through the icy glaze of prejudice and toxic masculinity. It is icicle sharp with sacrifices within despair, positive male role models, and female empowerment messages. It shows a beautiful mutual partnership in how men can stand behind their women and Disney stepped out in a huge way with honoring the Sami people and righting their wrong of the past of including but not crediting their culture in the original Frozen film. I’d highly doubt Disney can top this Frozen film with another sequel, but I’d sure love to see them try!