Why Would You Trust a Kinkajou with Your Mail? Lin-Manuel Miranda Brings 'Vivo' to Netflix

By Nate Parker | Film | July 29, 2021 |

By Nate Parker | Film | July 29, 2021 |

Confession: I’m not the world’s biggest Lin-Manuel Miranda fan. I enjoyed Hamilton, I love Moana, and I like his voice acting as Gizmoduck. That’s about as far as it goes. No knock on the guy; I’m just not really into most musicals. But those who are have something to look forward to, as Miranda brings his distinctive style to Netflix’s Vivo, a new animated film from Brandon Jeffords and Kirk DeMicco (The Croods).

Vivo tells the story of a young kinkajou adopted by Andrés (Juan de Marcos González), musician and senior citizen, and is taught the wonders of music. Upon receiving a letter and invitation from his old partner and love Marta (Gloria Estefan), Andrés sends Vivo on a mission to deliver a love song he wrote her. I’m not sure a carrier kinkajou is the most reliable delivery service, but we work with what we have. Along the way, Vivo falls in with Gabi, an outgoing tween who promises to get him to his destination. Manuel wrote the musical numbers, of course, and DeMicco and Quiara Alegria Hudes (of In the Heights) wrote the script.

Also starring Zoe Saldana, Nicole Byer, and Michael Rooker, Vivo has the distinctive LMM sound to it and an interesting animation style that will hopefully give everyone something to appreciate.

Vivo’s expected delivery date is August 6.