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Joe Gardner is a middle-school band teacher who gets the chance of a lifetime to play at the best jazz club in town. But one small misstep takes him from the streets of New York City to The Great Before — a fantastical place where new souls get their personalities, quirks and interests before they go to Earth. Determined to return to his life, Joe teams up with a precocious soul, 22, who has never understood the appeal of the human experience. As Joe desperately tries to show 22 what’s great about living, he may just discover the answers to some of life’s most important questions.

This looks absolutely gorgeous. From the amazing “real-world" animation, to the abstract “after-life"/“pre-life" visuals, Pixar is pushing their aesthetic storytelling forward for sure with Soul.

But as for the story? Wow - I didn’t think they could top trying to discuss mortality or emotions, but now we’re getting into the very essence of being. Pixar is going to mess up some kids (and provide tears to adults again), I’m sure!

Soul hits theaters on June 19, 2020.