22 vs. Earth (2021)
Story overview
This short animated film is a prequel to 'Soul' that follows 22, a soul who resists going to Earth. She recruits five other souls to join her rebellion against the journey to life. Through their adventure, 22 discovers unexpected insights about existence and what makes life meaningful. The story explores themes of purpose, curiosity, and the value of living.
Parent Guide
A completely safe, gentle animated short that explores philosophical themes about life's meaning in an age-appropriate way.
Content breakdown
No violence, conflict, or physical danger present.
No scary images, monsters, or disturbing content. The afterlife setting is portrayed positively.
No offensive language or inappropriate dialogue.
No sexual content, references, or nudity.
No depiction or reference to alcohol, drugs, or substance use.
Mild emotional moments as characters contemplate life's meaning, but nothing distressing.
Parent tips
This 9-minute animated short is completely family-friendly with no concerning content. The TV-G rating indicates it's suitable for all ages. The film deals with philosophical concepts about life's meaning in an accessible, gentle way that children can understand. Parents might want to be prepared to discuss the abstract concepts of souls and purpose that the movie introduces.
Parent chat guide
Parent follow-up questions
- What was your favorite part of the movie?
- How do you think the characters felt when they learned about Earth?
- What makes you happy to be alive?
- What do you think is special about our world?
- Would you like to help someone like 22 learn about life?
- Why do you think 22 didn't want to go to Earth at first?
- What did the characters learn about what makes life meaningful?
- How can we appreciate the good things in our lives?
- What are some things that give you purpose or make you excited?
- What does it mean to have a 'spark' or passion in life?
- What do you think the movie is saying about finding purpose in life?
- How did 22's perspective change throughout the story?
- What are some ways people discover what makes life meaningful?
- Why might someone be afraid or resistant to new experiences?
- How can we help others find joy and purpose in their lives?
- What philosophical questions about existence does this film raise?
- How does the concept of 'purpose' relate to your own life experiences?
- What might the film be suggesting about overcoming fear of the unknown?
- How do different people find meaning in their lives?
- What connections do you see between this prequel and themes in 'Soul'?
🎭 Story Kernel
At its core, '22 vs. Earth' is less about rebellion for rebellion's sake and more about the profound anxiety of purpose. 22 isn't rejecting life out of apathy, but from a place of deep-seated fear: the terror of failing at the one chance you're given. The film cleverly inverts the 'carpe diem' trope by suggesting that sometimes, the bravest choice is to say 'no' to a predetermined destiny. 22's journey reveals that true agency isn't found in blindly accepting a calling, but in the conscious choice to define—or even reject—what that calling means. It's a surprisingly nuanced take on free will within a cosmic bureaucracy.
🎬 Visual Aesthetics
The visual language masterfully contrasts the sterile, geometric perfection of the Great Before with the chaotic, textured warmth of Earth. 22's 'rebellion' is visually coded through disruption: her actions introduce organic, messy shapes and unpredictable movement into the symmetrical, orderly realm. The color palette shifts from cool, ethereal blues and purples in the cosmic offices to the saturated, vibrant hues of memories and Earthly experiences. Camera work often frames 22 from low angles when she's defiant, making her small form feel monumental against the vast, impersonal architecture of the afterlife's waiting room.
🔍 Details & Easter Eggs
💡 Behind the Scenes
Tina Fey reprises her role as 22, recording her lines remotely during the pandemic. The short was directed by Kevin Nolting, the longtime film editor on Pixar features like 'Up' and 'Inside Out,' marking his directorial debut. It was produced concurrently with 'Soul' as a complementary piece to further explore 22's backstory, utilizing the same core animation and design teams to ensure visual continuity with the feature film's unique aesthetic for the Great Before.
Where to watch
Choose region:
- Disney Plus
