“Frozen 2” (2019) is the highly anticipated sequel to Disney’s massive 2013 hit “Frozen.” Directed by Chris Buck and Jennifer Lee, the film continues the story of sisters Elsa and Anna in the magical kingdom of Arendelle. While the original film focused on themes of sisterhood and self-acceptance, the sequel dives deeper into questions of identity, history, and the power of nature, while expanding the fantasy world its predecessor introduced. The movie maintains the signature charm, humor, and musicality that made “Frozen” a cultural phenomenon, but it also brings a more mature tone, a more complex plot, and grander visual scale.
The sequel takes place a few years after the events of the first film. Elsa is now ruling Arendelle, with Anna, Kristoff, Olaf, and Sven by her side. The film opens in an idyllic setting where everything seems perfect. However, Elsa begins to hear a mysterious voice calling her from the enchanted forest, a place that has been sealed off by a magical mist for many years. This voice seems to be calling Elsa to uncover a deep secret about her powers and the history of her kingdom. When an ancient force threatens Arendelle, Elsa, Anna, and their friends embark on a journey beyond their borders to the enchanted forest and beyond, in search of answers.
From a visual standpoint, “Frozen 2” is breathtaking. The animation has made leaps since the first film, with intricate details and stunningly beautiful landscapes. The enchanted forest, in particular, is full of color and texture, with autumn leaves swirling in the wind, adding layers of richness to the visuals. The water, snow, and magical elements are rendered in a way that feels tactile and alive. Every frame of the movie is lush and detailed, with a darker, more earthy palette compared to the bright, wintry look of the original. This visual depth enhances the more mature tone of the movie, giving it a sense of grandeur that wasn’t as pronounced in the first “Frozen.”
Thematically, the film explores the idea of change, both personal and societal. Elsa’s journey is one of self-discovery, as she grapples with the origins of her powers and the responsibility that comes with them. The mysterious voice represents her longing for something more, something beyond her role as queen of Arendelle. Her arc is deeply introspective, as she comes to terms with her place in the world and the legacy of her family. At the same time, Anna’s journey revolves around her devotion to her sister and her determination to protect the ones she loves. While Elsa is driven by a call to uncover the truth, Anna is motivated by love and loyalty, willing to go to any lengths to support her sister. These parallel journeys reflect the film’s broader message about growing up and learning to balance independence with relationships.
The relationship between the sisters continues to be the emotional core of the movie. While the first film showed Elsa learning to embrace her powers and trust Anna, the sequel sees both sisters facing their individual destinies while trying to stay connected. Anna’s protective instincts towards Elsa are a major driving force in the story, but the film makes it clear that both sisters have to face their own challenges and embrace their own paths. Their bond is stronger than ever, but the film doesn’t shy away from showing that they can’t always be together, and sometimes, personal growth requires separation.
The supporting characters also get moments to shine. Olaf, the lovable snowman voiced by Josh Gad, continues to provide comic relief, but his role in this film is more nuanced than in the first. Olaf grapples with the concept of change and growing older, providing a surprisingly philosophical angle to his humorous moments. His innocence and curiosity add a layer of depth to his character, making him more than just comic relief. Kristoff, too, has more development in this film, though his subplot is largely focused on his efforts to propose to Anna. While this subplot is played for laughs, it also highlights Kristoff’s insecurities and his desire to support Anna, adding a layer of vulnerability to his otherwise strong and dependable character.
Musically, “Frozen 2” had big shoes to fill following the massive success of “Let It Go,” which became a cultural touchstone after the first film. The new soundtrack, composed by Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez, doesn’t quite have a breakout hit on the level of “Let It Go,” but it still offers memorable songs that fit the film’s themes and tone. “Into the Unknown” serves as Elsa’s new anthem, and while it doesn’t reach the iconic status of “Let It Go,” it is a powerful and emotional number that captures Elsa’s internal struggle. The song is haunting and mysterious, mirroring the call Elsa hears from the enchanted forest. Idina Menzel’s vocal performance is as strong as ever, imbuing the song with both vulnerability and strength. Other songs, like “Show Yourself,” provide emotional climaxes that tie into the film’s larger themes of self-discovery and acceptance.
Anna’s song, “The Next Right Thing,” stands out as one of the most emotional moments in the film. This song, which comes at a low point for Anna, is about perseverance and finding hope even when everything seems lost. It’s a mature and poignant moment, reflecting the darker tone of the sequel compared to the more upbeat, comedic moments of the first film. Kristoff’s “Lost in the Woods” is a humorous 80s-style ballad that adds a lighthearted break in the film’s otherwise intense emotional journey, complete with an amusing visual homage to power ballads of the past. While some of the songs may not have the same immediate impact as those from the first movie, they serve the narrative well and contribute to the emotional weight of the story.
The film’s exploration of Arendelle’s history and the origins of Elsa’s powers gives the story a more epic, mythological feel. The enchanted forest and its inhabitants, including the Northuldra people, add new layers to the world of “Frozen.” These elements expand the scope of the story, bringing in themes of environmentalism and the importance of harmony between people and nature. The film also touches on themes of colonialism and reparations, as it is revealed that Arendelle’s past is not as idyllic as it seems. The conflict between Arendelle and the Northuldra people reflects real-world issues of power, exploitation, and reconciliation, giving the story a contemporary relevance.
However, while the film’s ambition is commendable, the complexity of the plot can sometimes feel overwhelming. The narrative juggles multiple themes and subplots, and at times, it feels like the movie is trying to do too much. The mythology surrounding Elsa’s powers, the history of Arendelle, and the enchanted forest are all fascinating, but the film doesn’t always give these elements the time they need to fully develop. As a result, some aspects of the story feel rushed or underexplored. For example, the Northuldra people are introduced as an important part of the plot, but we don’t get to learn much about their culture or their relationship with the elements.
Despite these narrative hiccups, “Frozen 2” succeeds in delivering an emotionally resonant story with stunning visuals and a strong message about self-discovery and growth. The film’s darker tone and more complex themes make it feel like a natural progression from the first movie, as the characters face new challenges and come to terms with their identities. The animation is top-notch, with every detail meticulously crafted to create a world that feels alive and magical. The voice performances, especially from Idina Menzel and Kristen Bell, are as strong as ever, bringing depth and nuance to their characters’ emotional journeys.
The decision to focus more on Elsa’s internal struggle and the history of Arendelle makes “Frozen 2” feel like a deeper, more introspective film than its predecessor. While the first film was about learning to accept oneself, the sequel is about understanding where one comes from and finding one’s place in the world. Elsa’s journey to the unknown is a metaphor for the search for identity, and the film’s resolution, which sees her embracing her true nature, is a satisfying conclusion to her arc. At the same time, Anna’s growth into a leader who can stand on her own without relying on her sister reflects the film’s broader message about personal growth and independence.