ACT 7

SCENE 1

INT. CASA MADRIGAL - VARIOUS INTERIORS - EVENING

JULIETA (V.O.)

Dinner is ready!

Julieta called out to the family as Mirabel and Alonso set the table. The rest of the family slowly made their way to the dining room. Antonio was the first to leave his room.

ANTONIO

All right, dinner is here!

Antonio eagerly raced downstairs to help Mirabel and Alonso. Isabela left her room. When she spotted Mirabel and Alonso working together, her brow furrowed. Luisa left her room and walked up to her.

LUISA

(To Isabela) Is everything okay?

ISABELA

(swiftly) I'm fine.

Isabela turned her attention to the stairs as Luisa looked on with confusion. Meanwhile, Camilo and Dolores entered the house from the outside.

CAMILO

(confused) Wait, he's here? I thought we banned him or something.

DOLORES

He's been here since Isabela dragged him to his room. He cooked today's dinner for us.

CAMILO

(skeptical) Seriously? Can he even cook?

When Pepa and Félix left their room and noticed the commotion downstairs, Pepa rushed downstairs to Julieta.

PEPA

Julieta! The boy is still here.

JULIETA

I know. I let him stay here.

PEPA

(surprised) But what about Mama Alma?

JULIETA

Don't worry. I'll take full responsibility for whatever happens.

Julieta continued to walk toward the dining table with food as Pepa stared dumbfounded.

JULIETA

(To Félix) What does she think she is doing?

FÉLIX

Maybe she knows something that we don't. Come on, let's give this kid a chance. Tonight's dinner will help brighten up your day.

Eventually, everyone gathered around the dinner table for the meal.

ANTONIO

Is Abuela Amla still not feeling well?

LUISA

Don't worry; I'll bring her dinner after we eat.

CAMILO

So, are we ignoring the elephant in the room?

ANTONIO

What elephant?

CAMILO

(Gesturing to Alonso) The one sitting with us.

FÉLIX

Camilo, that is rude. Apologize.

CAMILO

Come on. How can everyone be calm about the odd guy sitting and eating with us like normal?

JULIETA

Because he and Mirabel cooked this meal for us, it is only fair he eats what he makes.

DOLORES

And you let them, Tía Julieta?

LUISA

(To Alonso) It looks well done. I bet you became a good cook from all your travels.

ISABELA

I can understand Alonso as a secret professional chef; however, I don't expect that from Mirabel.

MIRABEL

Well, why don't you try and taste it for yourself, my lady?

DOLORES

I've never seen fried rice made like this before. What exactly is it?

ALONSO

It's called paella. It's a mixture of chicken, seafood, and vegetables simmering in a frying pan.

FÉLIX

It smells amazing.

Félix handed over a plate of paella to Camilo.

CAMILO

Oh no, I am not eating that. What if the rice is poisonous? And look at the bottom. It's burnt. How is he a good cook if he burns rice?

ALONSO

It's called a socarrat. It's what gives the paella its shape and texture and adds a unique flavor to the dish. Try it.

CAMILO

Oh no, I am not putting burnt rice in my mouth.

FÉLIX

Camilo, just try it, please?

Rolling his eyes, Camilo popped the socarrat into his mouth. His eyes quickly widen from the gooey yet crunchy nature of the dish.

CAMILO

Holy moly, this stuff is delicious!

ANTONIO

I want some, too!

PEPA

Easy there, boys. There's plenty for everyone.

DOLORES

The salad is a refreshing complement to the rice.

MIRABEL

Thanks. I made that myself.

LUISA

What about dessert? It's very fluffy and sweet.

MIRABEL

Mamá helped me with that one.

ISABELA

I knew it! You can't cook anything by yourself, proving my point.

MIRABEL

Technically, you doubted my cooking skills but said nothing about receiving help. As you can see, everyone is smiling while eating.

ISABELA

(Under her breath) Cheater.

Mirabel stuck her tongue out. Antonio was making a mess at the table.

LUISA

(Cleaning up after him) Antonio, you're making a mess at the table again.

ANTONIO

Hey, I'm six. I can take care of myself.

DOLORES

(Eyeing Camilo) Well, he's copying his eating habits from the wrong person.

Camilo ravenously stuffed himself with food, leaving crumbs and bits all over the table.

CAMILO

(To Dolores) What are you looking at me like that for?

PEPA

Camilo, you are embarrassing our guest.

Pepa turned to Alonso, who was crying. The rest of the adults noticed the tears.

MIRABEL

(Noticing the shift in mood) Alonso, what's wrong? Did something upset you?

ALONSO

What?

Alonso just noticed that her family was looking at him with concern. Touching his face, he realized his cheeks were wet.

ALONSO

Am I crying? No, that's not right. Why won't my tears stop falling?

ISABELA

(To Alonso) Is everything okay?

LUISA

(To Alonso) Has Camilo done something disrespectful in your culture?

CAMILO

Why is everything my fault?

ALONSO

No, it's not that. I'm so used to eating alone. Even when I ate with a group, others ignored or shunned me, like I never existed. I haven't had a warm, heartfelt dinner experience before. I guess the genuine vibes got me. I'm sorry. I know crying is a sign of weakness. I'll stop soon.

AGUSTÍN

Did your father teach you that? I'd like to have a word with him.

MIRABEL

Dad, Alonso's parents passed away. He's living with his grandfather.

AGUSTÍN

That still doesn't give him the right to treat you in such a way.

FÉLIX

I agree.

JULIETA

Easy, boys, let's take care of it tomorrow. Today's a special occasion. There will be no negativity at this dinner table tonight.

PEPA

(To Alonso) You're welcome to have dinner with us whenever you wish.

LUISA

Yes, we'll welcome you with open arms.

CAMILO

If Casita doesn't kick him out first.

DOLORES

Way to bring the mood down.

CAMILO

I was trying to be realistic.

BRUNO

(whispering) Mirabel.

As everything was happening, Mirabel spotted Bruno gesturing to her to come over and head toward him.

MIRABEL

Bruno, what took you so long to come down? We were waiting for you. Eat at the table with us before Camilo and Antonio clean it all off.

BRUNO

I'll do it, but it might take some time to feel comfortable joining in. But, enough about me, how are you feeling? Are you okay?

MIRABEL

Yes, I'm fine. What happened? You look worried.

BRUNO

You might get angry, but I have to say it. I think you and your boyfriend should break up.

MIRABEL

Not you, too. Alonso and I are not like that. Nothing is going on between us.

BRUNO

Really? Huh, maybe that whole thing is farther down the road than I thought.

MIRABEL

Farther down the road? Wait, you saw a vision about Alonso, didn't you?

BRUNO

Technically speaking, no. He just happened to be a part of it.

MIRABEL

Bruno, what did you see in that vision? Was it bad?

BRUNO

Well, that's one way to describe it.

MIRABEL

Bruno, I'm serious. Tell me what you saw, please.

BRUNO

Only if you promise not to get angry at me.

MIRABEL

How bad is the vision, Tío Bruno?

BRUNO

(hesitantly) I saw you and that boy together. I saw the house falling apart. I saw everyone wrapped in chains. And then, I saw Mama Alma.

MIRABEL

What happened to Abuela Alma?

Bruno hesitated to speak further.

MIRABEL

What happened to Abuela Alma in your vision, Bruno?

ANTONIO

(happily) Abuela Alma!

Everyone froze as though they had done something punishable. Abuela Alma slowly walked down the stairs and toward the dining table. Luisa got up to prepare Abuela Alma's seat, but Abuela Alma continued forward. She eventually stopped in front of Alonso.

JULIETA

Mamá, I can explain.

Abuela Alma only needed to look at Julieta to silence her. Julieta eventually sat unnerved. Unease choked everyone as they waited for Abuela Alma to speak.

ABUELA ALMA

(To Alonso) I know why you are here.

ALONSO

Y-You do?

ABUELA ALMA

And I know you know why you are here.

Alonso looked down, figuring out what to do next.

ABUELA ALMA

Depending on what you say next, I may have to forcefully exit you like I did the other day.

Mirabel was about to rush over to Alonso, but Bruno stopped her and shook his head. All Mirabel could do was watch what was about to happen. Eventually, Alonso took a deep breath.

ALONSO

Yes, I wanted to know about the Madrigal family, but I am doing it with good intentions. I'm not here to cause trouble for the Madrigal family. Please, you must trust me.

Silence filled the room as everyone waited for a response.

ABUELA AMLA

I hear the truth in your words.

For a moment, everyone felt relieved.

ABUELA ALMA (cont.)

But I cannot have you stay here any longer.

The tension in the house rose again.

ABUELA ALMA (cont.)

You can stay at Encanto if you like, barring that you don't cause any harm to its people. However, I cannot let you stay in this house any longer. I'm sure you understand.

Alonso looked down once more.

ALONSO

(After a long pause) I do.

Everyone else looked at each other with confusion.

ABUELA AMLA

I kindly ask that you exit our home currently.

JULIETA

But, Mama Alma, what about dinner?

ALONSO

It's okay, Ms. Madrigal. I've had my fill. (To Abuela Alma) Thank you for allowing me to stay for as long as I did. I genuinely appreciate the hospitality that this family showed me. Farewell.

Alonso quietly left the house. Mirabel desperately wanted to chase after him, but Bruno held her back. Mirabel looked at Bruno with tears in her eyes.

BRUNO

I won't stop you, but I only ask that you do the right thing. I trust you, Mirabel.

After Bruno released his grip, Mirabel ran toward Alonso. Seeing Mirabel chase after him, Isabela also pursued them. Abuela Alma eventually sat down in her seat. Pepa and Julieta quickly prepared the dishes for her. As Abuela Amla ate, everyone quietly ate with her.

SCENE 2

EXT. TOWN OF ENCANTO - NIGHT

Mirabel ran around town, desperately searching for Alonso. Eventually, she found him slowly making his way out of town.

MIRABEL

(shouting) Alonso!

Alonso stopped walking as Mirabel ran up to him.

MIRABEL

Alonso, tell me what Abuela Alma was talking about.

Alonso remained silent.

MIRABEL

Why aren't you responding?

ALONSO

I'm sorry, Mirabel, but I think your grandmother is right. It's best if we stop seeing each other.

MIRABEL

Alonso, please don't say things like that. I know you're hiding something from me, from all of us. If you can just talk to me...,

ALONSO

I can't. Not this one. I'm sorry.

They shared a tense silence.

MIRABEL

(Taking a deep breath) Is this about you destroying our family?

ALONSO

(Eyes widen) How did you...?

MIRABEL

I have an uncle who can see the future. He told me you would tear our family apart if I continued to be involved with you. But I know the future can change for the better. My uncle trusted me, and I'm taking this chance to change our future. Alonso, please, don't you trust me?

Another pause stretched the two apart.

ALONSO

(After thinking through) I'm returning to my home to make things right. It's the only way to stop your family from crumbling down.

MIRABEL

Let me come with you.

ALONSO

It's too dangerous.

MIRABEL

You won't know that until we try.

ALONSO

I do know. It's tough to grasp how much people can deceive and exploit others. Those looking for a pure and innocent life must navigate the challenges that may arise beyond their immediate surroundings. I can't let you see how evil things are out there. I don't want to expose that to you. I don't want to lose you. I won't lose any more people that I care about. That's why I have to do this alone.

Just as Alonso was about to walk away, Mirabel rushed towards him and hugged him from behind. Isabela caught up with Mirabel and Alonso, noticed what happened, and hid behind a tree.

MIRABEL

I can't imagine the weight you bare on your shoulders. Let me lighten your load, even if it is just a little. You are not alone anymore. You have my family. You have me. Trust in them. Trust me. Don't you trust me?

Slowly, Alonso brought his arms over to her arms, gently embracing them. He turned to face Mirabel, who was slowly starting to tear up.

ALONSO

(Wiping away her tears) Don't cry. I'd have nightmares if your beautiful face in tears was the last thing I saw.

The two stared at each other for a long time, enchanted by their world. Slowly, they brought their foreheads together, closed their eyes, and clasped each other's hands. Isabela's heart sank.

MIRABEL

(After an extended period) I know I can't stop you, but I only ask that you don't do anything reckless. Remember, we're here for you.

ALONSO

Thank you. That means everything to me.

Eventually, they let go of each other, their feelings coordinated.

ALONSO

You know, you've never shown me what the town is like at night. Would you mind giving me one final tour?

MIRABEL

Are you asking me out on a date?

ALONSO

Only if you allow me to.

MIRABEL

Then, I'd be honored to be your nightly guide.

ALONSO

May I take your hand, my lady?

MIRABEL

Of course, you can, my dear sir.

Walking hand in hand, the two slowly walked around town, enjoying their peaceful moment together. Unable to bear it any longer, Isabela ran away from the scene, as far away as she could, trying to stop herself from replaying the intimate scene between Alonso and Mirabel out of her mind.

EXT. WOODS - NIGHT

Suddenly, she tripped on a branch and fell to the ground. Although she created a flowerbed to cushion her landing, her hair and dress became disheveled. Slowly, she got up on her feet. She looked around, finding herself lost in the woods in the middle of the night. Somber music played as she aimlessly walked in every direction, hoping to find a landmark she recognized as she reflected on what happened moments before.

ISABELA

WHAT'S THIS FEELING IN MY CHEST?

IT HURTS SO MUCH. I CAN'T COMPRESS.

SHE SEEMS TO HAVE EVERYTHING GOING IN HER LIFE.

YET, I'M BACK HERE HURTING INSIDE.

EXT. TOWN OF ENCANTO

FADE: Alonso and Mirabel were walking side by side, hand in hand. She pointed to various parts of the town while Alonso listened.

ISABELA (V.O.)

SHE'S JUST A LITTLE PRETTY MISS

WHO THINKS THAT GLASS SLIPPER IS A PERFECT FIT.

AM I DESTINED TO BE LEFT OUT WITH ONLY THE BITS?

EXT. WOODS

FADE: Isabela wandered through the woods, looking for a way out.

ISABELA

WHAT ABOUT ME?

WHAT ABOUT I?

WHAT ABOUT ALL THAT I DESIRE?

WHAT ABOUT ME?

WHAT ABOUT WHAT'S MINE?

WHAT ABOUT ALL I WANT TO ASPIRE?

SHE THINKS SHE'S SO PERFECT.

I'VE ALWAYS BEEN PERFECT.

I TRIED TO BE PERFECT FOR ALL OF MY LIFE.

YET, I'M FALLING IN THIS DREAM.

WHAT ABOUT ME?

Isabela walked up to a small pond and saw her reflection. Her hair and dress were in disarray. She imagined herself cleaned and groomed with Alonso standing beside her, which reflected in the pond.

ISABELA

I WANTED TO BE A PART OF HIS LIFE.

BUT ALL HE DOES IS CAST ME ASIDE.

I DON'T WANT THIS TO BE OUR LAST GOODBYE.

BUT I CAN'T HELP TO KEEP LIVING THIS LIE.

A leaf fell on the pond, creating ripples that cleared her imagination away from the pond as she meandered to an unknown destination.

EXT. TOWN OF ENCANTO

Alonso and Mirabel continued their tour in silence. Now and then, they would lay eyes on each other and giggle. They knew this moment would not last forever, so they tried to extend their time together.

ISABELA (V.O.)

THERE'S SOMEONE SPECIAL IN HIS LIFE

THERE'S NO ROOM FOR ME IN THAT PARADISE.

I'M STUCK HERE STRUGGLING FROM THIS STRIFE.

EXT. WOODS

Isabela continued to search for a way out of the forest.

ISABELA

WHAT ABOUT ME?

WHAT ABOUT I?

WHAT ABOUT ALL THAT I DESIRE?

WHAT ABOUT ME?

WHAT ABOUT WHAT'S MINE?

WHAT ABOUT ALL I WANT TO ASPIRE?

WHAT MAKES HER SO PERFECT?

I WISH I WAS PERFECT.

I WANTED TO BE PERFECT ALL OF MY LIFE.

BUT THIS NIGHTMARE'S NOT A DREAM.

WHAT ABOUT ME?

Turning her pain into anger, Isabela unconsciously created several dangerous and poisonous plants along her route toward an unnamed destination.

ISABELA (cont.)

I'M DONE LIVING THIS LIE.

I'M DONE WITH THIS PAIN THAT MAKES ME WANT TO CRY.

IF SHE WANTS A MEAN GIRL, I'LL BE THE QUEEN.

IF SHE WANTS A NIGHTMARE, I'LL SLAY HER DREAM.

IT'S TIME TO CHANGE THIS STORY AND MAKE IT ABOUT ME.

IT'S ABOUT ME.

IT'S ABOUT I.

IT'S ABOUT ALL THAT I DESIRE.

IT'S ALL ABOUT ME.

IT'S ALL ABOUT WHAT'S MINE.

IT'S ALL ABOUT ALL I WANT TO ASPIRE.

SO, WHAT IF I'M NOT PERFECT?

I DIDN'T WANT TO BE PERFECT.

I NEVER WAS PERFECT ALL OF MY LIFE.

IT'S TIME TO WAKE UP FROM THIS DREAM.

THIS STORY'S ABOUT ME.

Finally, Isabela spotted Casita from a distance and walked towards it. Before she went further, she saw a buff man sneaking around the house, trying to find a way to get in. He threw a grappling hook onto the roof of Casita and started climbing up the house. Just as he was about to reach the top, a small shrub appeared out of nowhere and knocked him and the hook off the roof. He fell onto a bed of bushes that magically appeared. When the bushes disappeared, he bumped into the ground. Vines wrapped around his arms and legs and pinned him to the ground. He tried to muscle his way out of it, but the vines constricted him further, covering his mouth to prevent him from speaking. Isabela walked up to him and stood on top of him.

ISABELA

You have similar features to him. Tell me, do you know the name Alonso?

The man stopped struggling and stared at her.

ISABELA

So, you do know who he is. I don't know your situation, but you want to get a head start and beat him in whatever game you're playing. And I want to make Mirabel's life miserable. Technically, we both have the same goal.

The man calmed down and paid attention to her.

ISABELA

I want to make a deal with you.

END OF ACT 7