Elemental, directed by Peter Sohn and featuring the voices of Leah Lewis as Ember and Mamoudou Athie as Wade, is a delightful Pixar animated movie that explores the unifying power of the elements. Set in a vibrant city where residents of fire, water, land, and air coexist, the film follows the journey of Ember and Wade, an unlikely pair who discover the surprising similarities between them.
Like most Pixar films, one of the notable aspects of Elemental is its storytelling. Beyond being an entertaining children's story, the film delves into themes that resonate with viewers of all ages. However, while the storytelling is captivating, the film's approach to the narrative is somewhat disjointed, attempting to juggle multiple storylines simultaneously. This layered approach could have benefited from a more focused direction, as it occasionally results in pacing issues and leaves some plot elements feeling underdeveloped. The film's strength actually lies in the profound relationship between Ember and her immigrant father, which is hardly touched in the trailer, but it is far more moving than her love interest with Wade. These moments between Ember and her father are infused with heartfelt lines and imagery that truly tug at the audience's heartstrings; it could have been beneficial for the film to place more emphasis on this compelling dynamic rather than the more familiar Romeo and Juliet trope.
The inclusion of Wade as a character is one of the more commendable aspects of Elemental. Because Wade openly embraces his emotional side, his representation challenges mainstream gender norms and highlights the evolving landscape of Hollywood storytelling, providing a refreshing perspective for audiences. While Ember also exhibits emotional depth, it bears a resemblance to the Pixar film Turning Red, and as a result, may not feel as refreshing or unique.
The animation in Elemental is impressive, showcasing the attention to detail and artistry that Pixar is known for, but isn't necessarily groundbreaking. Compared to other studios that are pushing the boundaries of animation experimentation, Elemental falls slightly short and often sticks to safe animation techniques. The water reflections and fiery flames are rendered with exquisite detail, adding depth and visual interest to the film. However, the same level of detail and innovation is not consistently applied to the portrayal of the other elements, which feels like a missed opportunity to fully immerse the audience in the world of Elemental.
Although the film may not reach the same heights as some of Pixar's most celebrated films, it remains an entertaining, inspiring, and heartwarming addition to its repertoire. It captures the essence of what makes Pixar movies beloved by many, even if its animation doesn't fully match the experimentation seen in other studios. Elemental serves as a reminder of the power of storytelling and the ability of animated movies to touch our hearts and ignite our imagination. With its universal themes and endearing characters, it continues Pixar's tradition of creating films that leave a lasting impression.