The Afterlife of the Dead in the Movie Coco: An Exploratory Analysis

In the film Coco, the deceased are depicted as residing in a place called the Miguel’s family altar, which is a central point of devotion and celebration throughout the movie. However, the in-universe explanation provided in the film is rather limited and does not delve deeply into the intricacies of what happens to these souls after they are forgotten by the living.

The movie, which is rich in Mexican cultural references and traditions, suggests that our deceased relatives are trapped in a limbo or intermediary realm between the living and their ultimate destination. This limbo realm, which is beautifully elaborately constructed, holds different spirits, such as the renowned Ernesto, for extended periods. These spirits are bound to their world by the memories and photographs of their living relatives, preventing them from moving on to their true afterlife.

Trapping the Spirits: The Role of Memory and Celebration

By annually and repeatedly celebrating their “deaths,” the living maintain a connection with these spirits. This connection serves as a form of tether, binding the spirits to the material world. Essentially, the act of remembering and honoring the deceased is what keeps them in this realm. This is a common theme in Latin American culture, where the passing of time and the strength of familial bonds are deeply interconnected.

Religious Influences: Catholic and Indigenous Beliefs

While the film is steeped in Mexican traditions, it also incorporates Catholic religious beliefs. The protagonist, Miguel, and his family are devout Catholics, suggesting that after a true and final death, their souls would likely go to their intended afterlife according to Catholic teachings. However, the movie also hints at other possible afterlife scenarios, such as reincarnation, which is a belief found in some native Latin American cultures.

Ernesto’s Vanishing Friend: A Case Study

The film portrays the vanishing of Hector’s old musician friend as a natural part of the spiritual journey. Ernesto’s friend simply “moves on” to his true destination, which could be a higher afterlife or a reincarnation. It is not a case of fading into complete nothingness or oblivion. The ancient indigenous cultures of the Aztecs and Mayans, as well as many other human civilizations, do not support the concept of a total annihilation after death. Instead, the concept mentioned in the movie aligns more with the idea of a cyclical existence, where the dead are reincarnated or undergo a transformation.

Final Reflections: The Power of Letting Go

While the ending of Coco is profoundly moving, it also conveys a powerful message. It is essential to remember and honor the deceased, but it is equally important to let go and embrace their legacy. The love and memories they leave behind will endure and continue to shape us. The true act of honoring the dead involves acknowledging their departure and celebrating their lives, rather than holding on to them forever.

This unique masterpiece is not only a beautiful and exceptional film but also a window into complex cultural and spiritual beliefs. Coco has captured global hearts and deserves every bit of praise it has received. It is a testament to the enduring power of tradition, memory, and the cyclical nature of life and death.