The story follows , a headstrong princess and skilled archer who rejects the ancient tradition of arranged marriage . Her defiance leads to a heated clash with her mother, Queen Elinor . Seeking to change her fate, Merida makes a reckless deal with a forest witch for a spell to "change" her mother. The spell backfires, transforming the Queen into a black bear . Merida must then race against time to break the curse before the transformation becomes permanent, all while evading her bear-hunting father, King Fergus , and healing her bond with her mother.
The 2012 film you're likely referring to is titled in France and Quebec, known internationally as Brave . It is a Pixar animated adventure set in the mythical Scottish Highlands .