Once Upon a Mat is an American fantasy movie from 2021 starring Jessie Forston. It tells the story of a lonely and imaginative little girl named Jenny who discovers a magical world inside her father's yoga studio. Jenny is introduced as a shy and thoughtful girl who struggles to make friends at school. She spends most of her free time drawing in her notebook and playing with her dolls. Her father, who is a yoga instructor, encourages her to join his classes and learn some of the poses, in hopes of boosting her confidence and social skills.
Jenny is reluctant at first, but when she enters the studio for the first time, she discovers a world beyond her wildest dreams. The room is full of vibrant colors, exotic plants, and magical creatures. The walls seem to come alive with murals and patterns that transform into portals to different realms.
Jenny is mesmerized by the beauty and mystery of this place and starts to explore it with curiosity and enthusiasm. She meets a group of playful animal characters, each with unique personalities and skills. There is Yogi, a wise and calm elephant who teaches her breathing techniques and meditation. There is Lotus, a curious and nimble cat who shows her how to balance and stretch. There is Sunflower, a cheerful and radiant bird who sings and dances with her.
Jenny also encounters some challenges and obstacles along the way. She has to face her fears and doubts as she tries to master some difficult poses and overcome self-doubt. She has to learn to trust her instincts and follow her intuition as she navigates through the different realms and meets new characters.
Throughout her journey, Jenny learns valuable lessons about resilience, creativity, and empathy. She discovers that yoga is not just a physical exercise but a spiritual and emotional practice that can help her connect with herself and others. She realizes that the world is full of surprises and wonders that can inspire her imagination and nourish her soul.
The movie has a playful and colorful visual style that captures the whimsy and magic of the story. The CGI animation of the animal characters and the fantasy landscapes is seamlessly blended with the live-action scenes of Jenny and her father. The soundtrack is composed of soothing and uplifting tunes that match the mood and pace of the scenes.
Jessie Forston gives a charming and energetic performance as Jenny, bringing to life the character's innocence and curiosity. She conveys a wide range of emotions with subtlety and authenticity, making the audience root for her throughout the movie. The supporting cast of voice actors also delivers engaging and memorable performances, creating a delightful ensemble of personalities.
Once Upon a Mat is a heartwarming and inspiring movie that encourages young viewers to explore their creativity and embrace their individuality. It promotes the benefits of yoga and mindfulness as tools for self-care and self-discovery. It also celebrates the power of imagination and friendship as sources of joy and resilience.
Once Upon a Mat is a 2012 family movie with a runtime of 37 minutes.
