Soul 2020

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.