Ernesto de la Cruz: The Mysterious Villain in 'Coco' and Why He’s Not Miguel’s Real Ancestor

In Disney-Pixar's animated film Coco, Ernesto de la Cruz is portrayed as a complex and multi-layered antagonist. Why does he represent such a formidable villain, and why wasn't he Miguel's real ancestor?

Ernesto de la Cruz’s Role in 'Coco'

Ernesto de la Cruz is not merely a villain through his malevolent actions but also through the themes he embodies. His character traits of selfish ambition, theft of legacy, and the false persona he wears to deceive the public are integral to understanding his role in the story.

Synopsis of Ernesto de la Cruz's Villainy

Selfish Ambitions: Ernesto is a fame-driven musician who prioritizes his success over family and morality. His ambition is so intense that he is willing to betray and even kill to achieve it. Theft of Legacy: He steals the music and ideas of his friend Héctor, ultimately murdering him to prevent him from exposing the truth. This act of betrayal is central to the film’s themes of family and memory. False Persona: Ernesto projects a charismatic and loving image to the public, but his true nature is selfish and ruthless. This contrast underscores the dangers of prioritizing fame over genuine connections.

Why Ernesto de la Cruz Is Not Miguel’s True Ancestor

The film’s narrative revolves around revealing that Héctor, not Ernesto, is Miguel's true ancestor. This twist is crucial for several reasons, emphasizing the importance of family, memory, and honoring one’s true heritage.

Theme of Family

The revelation of Héctor being Miguel’s true ancestor underscores the importance of family and memory. True legacy, the film suggests, is built on love and sacrifice rather than fame and fortune. Héctor’s character arc from being forgotten to being recognized as a loving father provides a stark contrast to Ernesto's downfall. This contrast highlights the value of genuine connections and authentic bonds within a family.

Redemption Arc

Miguel’s journey to discover his real ancestor reveals a broader moral message. Ernesto seeks to be remembered for his fame, while Héctor's story is about the love he had for his family and the legacy he left behind. This redemption arc reinforces the idea that understanding one's roots is vital to personal identity and the journey towards redemption.

Moral Message

The film conveys a powerful message about the consequences of betrayal and the importance of honoring one's true heritage. By highlighting how Héctor’s story lives on through Miguel, the movie underscores the significance of remembering those who genuinely cared for us.

Summary

In summary, Ernesto de la Cruz serves as a foil to the film’s true themes of family, love, and the importance of remembering those who genuinely care for us. He is a symbol of the dark side of ambition and the dangers of prioritizing fame over genuine connections. By not being Miguel’s real ancestor, the film’s narrative achieves a powerful thematic resonance that enhances its overall impact.

Conclusion

The complexity of Ernesto de la Cruz’s character reveals deeper layers of ambition, betrayal, and love that enrich the narrative of Coco. Understanding why he is not Miguel’s true ancestor adds to the depth of the film and its message about the true meanings of family and legacy.

Final Thoughts

Ernesto de la Cruz's portrayal as a villain is multifaceted and thought-provoking. His actions and character traits serve to highlight the film's core themes, making him a crucial and memorable antagonist. The revelation that Miguel's true ancestor is Héctor, not Ernesto, provides a poignant and meaningful twist that enhances the emotional and moral journey of the story.