can we talk about Bruno now?

a mini essay

Recently, there has been a resurgence of folks speaking openly about and watching the movie Encanto¹, so I feel safe bringing up lingering thoughts that have been in my mind for two years concerning this beautiful film. (Here is a post that

Bethany Nicole

did that let me know it was time to release my thoughts.) I am a slow processor and typically don’t have burning takes initially.

I am a crybaby.

Everyone knows that about me who actually knows me.

I cry because the sun is shining.

I cry because I see children laughing.

I cry because of puppies.

I cry when I’m overwhelmed.

I cry when I am mad as HELL.

I just…cry.

Antonio and Mirabel

In one of the initial scenes, the Madrigal family is having a ceremony to unlock and bear witness to the magical talents that the youngest Madrigal, Antonio, possesses. A Gift Ceremony. In this majestic scene, Antonio is frightened and needs a helping hand to search out what his Gift will be. And so. He reaches out to Mirabel. The overlooked daughter who herself appears to be “not special” and without a magical Gift of her own. As she huddles in the shadows his plea “I need you.” rocked me to my core. And out came the tears. Her guiding Antonio was a beautiful display of what accompanying someone can be. This post isn’t about Antonio but I find myself in Antonio. I wish I had someone to help me walk into my Gifts. As a child. As a growing boy. And now as a man.

*cue the music*

“We don’t talk about Bruno.”

Throughout the movie Bruno is the…ugly duckling and the odd man out. Every family has a Bruno. And maybe…if you don’t think your family has one…you are Bruno. I have always felt this way in my family. I’m odd. I don’t think like everyone else. I’m not as smart as my siblings. I don’t have the physical strength of some. The cuteness of others. The brains. “We don’t talk about Robert.” seemed to be the anthem throughout my life.

And.

Bruno says one of the most beautiful lines I’ve ever heard in movies ,when it is revealed that although he was presumed missing for years…he made a home in the shadows and the crevices of the Madrigal home. He never left even though his family left him in some ways. His weird Gift alienated him but he made a home for himself in their shadow. The movie reveals to us that on the other side of the family dining table…Bruno built a table behind the walls and set a place for himself. Imagine that. So close to his family. As they dined each day, he did too. Just apart.

“My gift wasn’t helping the family. But I love my family.”

Tears. I don’t have a deep meaning to this post. Just sharing my emotions. And, if you’re a Bruno, or an Antonio in your family of origin…I know you love your family too.

1. Here is a podcast episode I did with my brothas about Encanto years ago.