The Biggest Unanswered Questions In Encanto

In the world of "Encanto," magic exists, and can manifest itself as spontaneous miracles. The most dazzling example of this arrives right after Alma Madrigal watches Pedro, her husband, die. As she loses herself in a grief-ridden sob, a miracle occurs: The candle she carries becomes emblazoned with a luminous symbol, and generates a sparkling wave of magic that blasts her husband's murderers away, pulls up the mountains to shelter her, and builds her a new home. The miracle goes on to set her and her family up for generations, making them the de facto leaders of their small village. 

Too bad Pedro misses the miracle by mere seconds. Why couldn't it have happened a little bit earlier, if it's capable of such tremendous feats? Viewers can easily interpret that the miracle happens as a result of Pedro's sacrifice, or out of Alma's grief and shock at losing him. But that theme isn't really explored in "Encanto"  — instead, the story focuses on Alma's desire to hold onto the miracle because of what she had to go through to receive it. That's a valid angle for the film to take, but this moment also sets up its entire reality. Without knowing more, it's hard not to view the miracle as capricious, or even driven entirely by what the plot needs. It couldn't happen before Pedro dies, because then, Alma wouldn't be haunted by anything, and "Encanto" would have no conflict.