Just want to say for the record that I liked Kristoff’s role in Frozen 2 overall. I know some people felt like he didn’t have much depth or enough plot significance (or just wish he wasn’t there). And I’m sure there are some who wanted him to have a bigger role. But I found his place in the story to be quite fitting given who he is, and the subtle genius of flipping expectations again.
Yes, Kristoff’s story being about proposing to Anna may seem boring, but to have the male character focus on romance while his female love interest is off having adventures? How often does that happen in movies, let alone a Disney animated film? Usually, it’s the dudes going off on adventures and the girls are either tagging along or stuck behind. Kristoff is not a knight or a hero, and he doesn’t try to be. Honestly, that is so refreshing to see as a guy. It’s nice to have a guy in a kids’ movie being content with taking the supporting role and letting his girlfriend go kick ass. I mean, in his solo, Kristoff even acknowledges that this kind of thing happens and he’s fine with it! “I’ll probably catch up with you tomorrow” he sings, knowing that Anna will probably be fine while he romps about in the woods sorting out his feelings.
To me, Kristoff is aware of his supporting role in her story and doesn’t try to change it. He wants to be with Anna forever, of course, but he’s not trying to force his expectations on her. And when he does find her again (running from the Earth Giants), he asks “What do you need?” No heroism, no attempt to save the day himself. Just supporting the woman he is head over heels for. It’s so nice to have that dynamic on screen.
And friendly reminder that the relationship between Kristoff and Anna is not the focus of Frozen or Frozen 2. It was always the subplot. Important but not vital to Anna’s story.
