Everyone has their Disney conspiracy theory. This is mine. 

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On the way back from the movie theatre after seeing Frozen 2, I raved to my friends about the thematic and stylistic connections between the modern movie and the problematic Disney classic, Pocahontas. They looked at me like I was crazy at the time, but I have since been validated by a litany of articles taking the same stance as me. Which was... a good and bad thing. I had felt so cool for noticing these things on my own, but now the rest of the world is cool too. 

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(Or should I say... the rest of the world is frozen too.)

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Let's start with the basics. The entire plot of the second Frozen revolves around Anna and Elsa's encounter with a native population and learning of the false history they had been taught their entire lives. The movie's release date closely preceded Thanksgiving, so this storyline has obvious connections to the inaccuracy of that classic bit of "history." But it also could be offered up as an apology for the culturally insensitive and historically ludicrous film that was Pocahontas. 

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An Express article highlighted quotes from a Frozen 2 animator who said she drew inspiration for Elsa from Pocahontas. Many of her movements, dances, and outfits were inspired by the earlier protagonist. Elsa's happy ending in the film (realizing that she is the only hero she needs and embracing her heritage), can be offered as a solace to the Disney Pocahontas, who was married off to her colonizer. 

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The biggest piece of evidence for me, which I haven't seen mentioned in many other articles, are the musical similarities. Most notably, Elsa's repeated choral cry (you know the one - aAAAaaaAAAH) has the exact same tune as a section of the Pocahontas hit, "Just Around the River Bend." 

 

Which particular section, you may ask? Right as Pocahontas sings the line, "I look once more." 

 

Disney definitely has some darkness in its past, but Frozen 2 allows us to take another look at that Thanksgiving story. Plus, Olaf is as lovable as ever.