Image: Disney
True love takes on many forms in Disney, and when 2013’s groundbreaking Frozen explored the powerful bond between two sisters, it launched a juggernaut that was unprecedented. Renowned for its animation and songs, it was always going to be difficult to replicate the success of a franchise that was the Lion King of a new era.
Does Frozen 2 throw its arms out and extend into new territory?
Sort of.
Not so much into the unknown as here we (let it) go again, the kingdom of Arendelle is no longer cursed by ice. Queen Elsa (Idina Menzel), having discovered that love can thaw her powers somewhat, rules with less of a heavy heart as she connects with her family of Anna (Kristen Bell), Kristoff (Jonathan Groff) and snowman Olaf (Josh Gad). She steadily reigns with a renewed sense of duty and the townsfolk appear to be somewhat forgiving of her past’s destructive ways. Her mission to understand her powers soon becomes overpowering, as she tries to ignore siren-like calls from her past that signal her to a misty forest.
Having nearly lost her sister and with a determination to fight for their relationship, Anna struggles to follow her older sibling’s quest to unlock their past. Anna’s fears that Elsa is playing with fire and ice are realised when they become trapped in the Enchanted Forest that that they believed to only exist in a childhood lullaby. Its inhabitants are from the tribe of Northuldra, who the sisters’ grandfather King Runeard established a treaty by building a dam. King Runeard’s death casts a shadow over the forest and the sisters are confronted with a family secret that threatens the existence of Elsa’s reign.
Showstoppers are still sprinkled like snowflakes in the film. It is not even Elsa who seizes the grand solos. Anna’s ‘The Next Right Thing’ is an existentialist piece about a desolate experience where the only step left to take is to push on despite the obstacles ahead. As she mourns in a cave over her innocence lost, she resolves to ‘make the choice/ To hear that voice and do the next right thing.’ Matching her misery and heartache in song is Kristoff’s ‘Lost in the Woods,’ which plays like an 80s power ballad. With niche Queen and Abba references, he literally pines for the woman he nearly lost in the last film. It’s also a beautiful ode to the reindeer who are equally worthy companions of the icemens’ affection.
Let’s not forget the loveable snowman Olaf whose maturity is developing in the latest installment. No longer is he the simplistic ‘ warm hug-loving’ comic relief and the audience’s voice of reason as he struggles to understand the complexities of life and relationships. His childlike wonder at the world and his curiosities keep us amused while he navigates harsh truths about Anna and Elsa’s past. His reflections in the song ‘When I’m Older’ are signposts for the children who have grown up since the last film’s release and who are considering the ramifications of getting older. Despite this, his steadfast loyalty remains and is capable of stealing many scenes.
The next film in line does not quite live up to its royal predecessor, but it shows itself to be a similar treat.
Verdict: 7/10
Walt Disney Studios Australia
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