Soul

Soul

Year: 2020

Runtime: 100 min

Language: English

Directors: Pete Docter, Kemp Powers

AdventureSci-FiFantasyComedyMusicAnimationFamily

A middle school band teacher named Joe Gardner suddenly finds himself in The Great Before, a vibrant realm where young souls prepare for life on Earth. Partnering with the cynical and reluctant soul number 22, Joe sets out on a journey to return to his body in New York City. Along the way, they experience life's challenges and joys, leading Joe to a profound realization about the value of everyday moments and the importance of human connection.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Soul yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Soul (2020) – Full Plot Summary & Ending Explained

Read the complete plot breakdown of Soul (2020), including all key story events, major twists, and the ending explained in detail. Discover what really happened—and what it all means.

Joe Gardner, a passionate middle school music teacher, feels as though he is in a rut and unfulfilled in his job. Longing for a career in jazz—a dream disapproved by his seamstress mother, Libba—Joe’s life takes an unexpected turn when he learns about an audition for the band of jazz legend Dorothea Williams. After impressing Dorothea with his remarkable piano skills, he is offered a position in her band right away. However, just as he is about to revel in his good fortune, he falls down a manhole and finds himself transitioning into the “Great Beyond.”

Determined not to let death steal away his dreams, Joe attempts to escape but unexpectedly lands in the “Great Before,” a realm where souls are prepared for life on Earth by counselor figures, all named Jerry. Assuming the role of an instructor, Joe is paired with 22, a cynical soul who has resisted finding her purpose and remains in the Great Before for eons. Together, they embark on a journey where 22 asserts that she possesses a badge requiring completion with her “spark” to return Joe to his life.

In his efforts to ignite 22’s finding of passion, Joe tries various approaches, but they all fall flat. With little choice left, 22 introduces Joe to a euphoric zone where people experience intense passions and where some lost souls reside. There, they encounter Moonwind, a sign twirler dedicated to rescuing the lost, who offers to help Joe return to his body. They discover that Joe’s fall resulted in a coma, leading him into this strange new existence. When Joe jumps back into his life, he inadvertently brings 22 along, resulting in 22 inhabiting Joe’s body, with Joe trapped inside a therapy cat.

As Joe and 22 navigate through these unexpected twists, they escape the hospital, and 22 begins to embrace the joys of life, experiencing simple pleasures from Joe’s perspective. Their journey continues at Joe’s apartment, where a student named Connie arrives, revealing her intention to quit the band. 22 inspires Connie to rediscover her love for music through a heartfelt trombone solo, reinforcing that the world is still full of promise and joy.

At the barbershop, a meaningful exchange with Dez convinces 22 that life can be profound, prompting them to visit Libba to fix ripped pants, resulting in a reconciliation that acknowledges Joe’s passion. Yet, as Moonwind attempts to restore Joe to his rightful body, 22 experiences a transformation and decides she must seek her own purpose on Earth. In her rush to flee, she inadvertently brings both herself and Joe back to the Great Before, where a confrontation leads to Joe revealing the truth about the badge meant to signify achievement.

Just as Joe learns that the essence of the “spark” isn’t about life’s ultimate goal but readiness to embrace life itself, he returns for his performance with Dorothea, feeling hollow despite the success. Inspired by the memory objects collected by 22 during their time together, he ventures back into the zone to seek her out, confronting her when she feels lost and aimless. Using a small maple seed, Joe reassures her of her readiness for life. With renewed purpose, 22 finally recovers her badge, ready to embrace her existence alongside Joe.

As Joe prepares to depart for the Great Beyond, a Jerry offers him an extraordinary gift—a chance to continue living. Grateful and invigorated, Joe returns to his body on Earth, now fully committed to living life to the fullest and cherishing every moment.

Last Updated: November 16, 2024 at 15:26

Ending Explained – What Happens at the End of Soul?

Still wondering what the ending of Soul (2020) really means? Here’s a spoiler-heavy breakdown of the final scene, major twists, and the deeper themes that shape the film’s conclusion.

Soul concludes with Joe Gardner being brought back to life after a near-death experience that transformed his perspective on life. Throughout the film, Joe’s journey in both the afterlife and on Earth reveals that the true meaning of fulfillment isn’t found in career achievements or external validation, but in appreciating the small, everyday moments. His encounter with 22, a soul who struggles with connecting to life and doubts her purpose, prompts him to see the beauty in simply living. The key moment occurs when Joe receives a maple seed from 22, and he finally notices and appreciates it—the very thing he had overlooked before—symbolizing his newfound understanding. This realization shifts his outlook, and he returns to his body, no longer driven solely by ambition but valuing life’s small pleasures.

After being revived, Joe plans to spend his life differently, focusing on what truly makes him and those around him happy rather than chasing external success. The film hints that 22, having learned to find joy and worth, will go on to live a fulfilling life on Earth, with her hope and new perspective guiding her. Though the film leaves some mysteries open—such as what exactly happens to 22 after her departure and how the cat survives—it suggests that souls, especially animal souls, work differently, allowing for some ambiguity about their journey.

The ending’s core message is that life’s significance isn’t measured by grand achievements but through the everyday moments and the love of life itself. Soul reminds us that fulfillment can be found in appreciating the now, in the simple act of living, and that every life, no matter how small, has its own beautiful meaning. Through Joe’s transformation, the film encourages viewers to cherish each moment and discover joy in the present, making the most of every second we’re given.

Last Updated: June 25, 2025 at 08:57

Unlock the Full Story of Soul

Don't stop at just watching — explore Soul in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Soul is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Soul Timeline

Track the full timeline of Soul with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Soul Timeline

Characters, Settings & Themes in Soul

Discover the characters, locations, and core themes that shape Soul. Get insights into symbolic elements, setting significance, and deeper narrative meaning — ideal for thematic analysis and movie breakdowns.

Characters, Settings & Themes in Soul

Soul Ending Explained

What really happened at the end of Soul? This detailed ending explained page breaks down final scenes, hidden clues, and alternate interpretations with expert analysis and viewer theories.

Soul Ending Explained

More About Soul

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Soul: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Soul

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