Vivo is Sony Pictures’ first-ever musical animation that harnesses original songs from Lin-Manuel Miranda (Hamilton). The featured film explores the African diaspora found in different parts of the world, encapsulating diversity within those countries and the beauty that surrounds their community. 

The movie follows Vivo (voiced by Miranda ),  a musically gifted Kinkajou through a selfless act of devotion, as he travels across the world to deliver a love note for an old friend. The film starts in Cuba, rich in culture with hints of African and Latinx heritage mixed throughout the land. This was depicted in the crowd and throughout the main characters, as they shared more melanin tones with a Spanish flavor. 

It’s a love story within a love story, as the audience watches Vivo deal with grief, as he delivers a love song made for the one that got away from his human companion. It touches on the love between a daughter and father by introducing Gabi (voiced by Ynairaly Simo), an undeniable force who helps Vivo along his journey. She puts all her unique passion into helping Vivo because she knows how important it is to express love. 

Directors  Kirk DeMicco(The Croods) and Brandon Jeffords (Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs 2 ) worked with an A-list acting cast. Voice-over stars include Zoe Saldana (Guardians of the Galaxy), Michael Rooker (Guardians of the Galaxy), and Scott Menville (Teen Titans Go). 

The featured film was originally released on August 6, the world got to see life through the lens of a long-tailed  Kinkajou, and it was beautiful, refreshing, and jam-packed with entertainment. It’s perfect for the whole family to enjoy. Watch the evolution of animation. The movie is available on Netflix today. 

Betti Halsell, senior writer @ Hollywood Melanin