Lord, Forgive Us Our Cinema: Can The Pixar Movie Coco Preach The Gospel?

Podcast Episode: Disney & Pixar’s Coco — Lord, Forgive Us Our Cinema

Photo credit: Disney/Pixar

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"The wages of cinema is death."

A movie podcast where theology meets banter. 

In each episode, we discuss a film that we love (or love to hate). We explore it through a series of prompts, like "Who would you pray for in this movie?" or "Would this movie be better with Kirk Cameron?" 

It's part movie review, part spiritual reflection. All good times. 

“Bienvenidos, everybody!”

That’s how this episode of Lord, Forgive Us Our Cinema begins — with laughter, language mix-ups, and genuine warmth. Hosts John, Jarrad, Danielle, and Annie dive into Coco (2017), Pixar’s beloved celebration of family, music, and memory. But true to the show’s name, this isn’t just a movie review — it’s a thoughtful conversation on faith, legacy, and redemption hidden in plain sight.

From Laughter to Legacy

The crew opens with a playful back-and-forth about whether “Coco” means chocolate or coconut (for the record, it’s coconut). The banter quickly shifts into heartfelt territory when Jarrad shares that his first viewing was with his nephew, Parker. That memory sparks a broader discussion about how Coco captures something sacred: the ties between generations, the power of remembering those who came before us, and the grace that flows through family stories.

“It’s funny,” John reflects, “how a kids’ movie can feel like a family reunion — and a sermon — all at once.”

The Afterlife and the Art of Remembering

Much of the conversation centers on Coco’s portrayal of the afterlife — the Land of the Dead — and how it resonates with spiritual imagery. The hosts point out that the film’s message mirrors biblical themes , especially within the Old Testament, of remembrance and eternal life:

• To be forgotten is to fade away.

• To be remembered in love is to live on.

One host connects this idea to Hebrews 12:1, where believers are “surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses.” Like Miguel’s ancestors watching over him, the saints in Christian tradition remain present, urging the living forward.

Another noted how the family’s ofrenda (altar) resembles the practice of honoring those who lived faithfully before us — a tradition that bridges generations and reminds us of God’s ongoing story through family.

Forgiveness as Freedom

A major throughline in both the film and the episode is forgiveness. The Rivera family’s fractured past — marked by misunderstanding and hurt — mirrors the biblical call to reconciliation. When truth finally comes to light, healing follows.

The hosts reflect on how Miguel’s act of courage and compassion mirrors the Gospel pattern of grace: acknowledging wrongs, seeking truth, and restoring love. As John quips, “Pixar’s been doing altar calls for years — we just cry through them.”

Music, Memory, and Communion

No Coco discussion is complete without “Remember Me.” The hosts agree it’s more than a song — it can be a spiritual reminder. “Do this in remembrance of me,” one of them quotes, drawing a beautiful connection between the film’s emotional anthem and the Christian practice of communion.

The act of remembering — whether through music, prayer, or storytelling — becomes sacred in itself. The group describes Coco’s soundtrack as “a form of worship through joy,” carrying the weight of memory and love.

Joyful Theology in Animation

By the end, the Lord, Forgive Us Our Cinema team circles back to what makes Coco special: it preaches without preaching. Beneath the bright colors and catchy songs lies a gentle theology of faith, family, and forgiveness.

“Coco can remind us,” Danielle shares, “that love doesn’t end at the grave — it just changes form.”

Their conversation blends humor, reverence, and cultural appreciation, making the episode feel like both a Bible study and a family gathering — fitting for a movie that celebrates both.

Final Thoughts

In a world that often separates the sacred from the cinematic, Lord, Forgive Us Our Cinema bridges the gap beautifully. Their Coco episode reminds us that the Gospel can show up anywhere — even in an animated film about a boy, a guitar, and the family who never stopped loving him.

🎧 Listen on Apple Podcasts: Lord, Forgive Us Our Cinema — “Disney & Pixar’s Coco”

🕯️ Themes: Faith & Film, Family Legacy, Forgiveness, Remembrance