The Day of the Dead is an important Mexican holiday packed full of culture and history. Every year, ofrendas are made that pay respect to the lives of friends and family who’ve died, and PIXAR’s 2017 film Coco captures that culture beautifully in a spectacular family film. 

The story follows Miguel Rivera, who lives in a family that hates music due to the husband of the family’s ancestor, Imelda, abandoning the family to become a musician. Unfortunately, Miguel’s only passion in life is to become like his idol, deceased Mexican music legend Ernesto de la Cruz.

As day the day of the dead begins in Miguel’s home town, he discovers Ernesto may have been his great-great-grandfather, and he sneaks away from his family and takes Ernesto’s guitar from his grave sight so that he may play it in the town’s plaza, which is throwing a music festival.

In a sudden turn of events, Miguel begins seeing skeletons all over the cemetery, soon running into his deceased family. Completely confused, they take Miguel to the police station in the land of the dead only to discover that Miguel’s theft has cursed him.

The family is told that if anyone gives Miguel their blessing to return to the living, he can, but they can add any condition they want. Imelda tells Miguel that if he wants to go home, he mustn’t play music again. Refusing, Miguel runs away to find Ernesto, the only other family member who Miguel can turn to.

The rest of the film revolves around Miguel searching for Ernesto with the help of Hector, a man he meets while trying to escape the police station. With Hector’s help Miguel is taken on a journey across the spirit world, learning its rules and culture.

Avoiding spoilers for those who haven’t seen it, after a thrilling and emotional climax, Miguel learns the true meaning of being there to support your family.

This film is an absolute must for everyone who hasn’t seen it, even if the Day of the Dead is over, and it’s a beautiful celebration of Mexican culture.