Encanto: Why Dolores Squeaks & What It Really Means

screenrant.com:

Throughout Disney’s heavily praised animated feature Encanto, Dolores makes a particular “squeaking” sound rooted in Colombian culture. Encanto centers on the Madrigals, a Colombian family that is blessed with a miracle after having to flee their village. This miracle gives the family a new, enchanted home and each child a magical gift—except the youngest daughter, Mirabel.

While Encanto does not specify the exact location of the Madrigal’s town, the animated musical draws heavily upon its rural Colombian setting. This shapes Encanto’s environment, which features Wax Palm trees, coffee plantations, and animals like toucans, jaguars, and capybaras. Colombian culture also influenced the family values and characters portrayed in Encanto. The Madrigals not only wear traditional clothing but enjoy foods like arepas and coffee. Encanto’s songs emphasize the importance of music in Colombian culture, blending common musical styles such as Vallenato, Champeta, and salsa. In addition, one subtler way Encanto represents Colombian culture is through characters’ mannerisms.

Related: When Does Encanto Take Place? Disney Movie Timeline Explained

Many of Encanto’s characters use Colombian facial and hand gestures, and Dolores even makes one typical Colombian sound. At different points throughout Encanto, Dolores makes a high-pitched “hm” noise. This includes when she bluntly explains Mirabel’s lack of a gift to the local children, describes Luisa’s anxiety and overhears Mirabel and her father discussing Bruno’s vision. Within Encanto then, Dolores’ “squeak” means that she is talking about something potentially upsetting or heard information she was not supposed to know. However, Dolores’ squeak also has a deeper historical meaning.

Acco