Elemental - A Movie Review

Lots of adventures happen in Elemental City.

Premiering in 2023, Elemental is Pixar's latest animated film, taking place in a vibrant city where the elements of fire, water, land, and air coexist harmoniously. As Ember and Wade's connection deepens, they uncover uncharted realms, revealing fresh perspectives and boundless opportunities.

Elemental is one of Pixar’s boldest films. This touching story projects a solid message to all viewers about love and exploring your true passions. Pixar delves deep into its latest film, taking me by surprise with its unique storytelling but also distinguished itself from other Pixar films in remarkable ways.

Ember and Wade have impressive depth (no pun intended). I felt like I knew these characters. Despite their lifestyle differences, I like how they stuck together to make things work. Their dating montage was so cute.

First, I like how openly emotional Wade is. You don’t see many Pixar/Disney or male characters in the media who exhibit emotions. As for Ember, she struggles with anger problems and also finding a voice to seek her dreams.

The characters are an integral part of Elemental, each contributing unique perspectives to the narrative. The voice cast was also notable for Elemental, reaching new emotional territories. Voice credits include Leah Lewis, Mamoudou Athie, Ronnie Del Carmen, Shila Omni, Wendy McLendon-Covey, Catherine O-Hara, and several others.

Wade’s family was the best and I wish they could have been in the film more. The best scene was when Ember went to meet them and they spent the evening talking or playing games. I also liked the construction of their house as a wading pool.

Like most Pixar films, it explores a new world. Another aspect that sets Elemental apart is its thematic exploration of the human-nature relationship. Living in different parts of the community, each element has a different lifestyle.

Pixar has grown in its breathtaking array of animation. Having an incredible ability to breathe life into its characters, the layouts and designs are unique. The animation in Elemental is a true marvel, rendering the elements with astonishing realism. For example, the water effects looked so genuine to the point that it was startling.

Spending 7 years in the making, Elemental is a personal story from the life of director Peter Sohn. Uniquely exploring culture and human connection, the film is a gentle call to action that we can make things work if we try. It also sets a positive example that we need to guide our own ways instead of following someone else’s shadow.

Taking a break from Pixar’s traditional formula, Elemental embraces a refreshing blend of mythical romance and fantasy. Elemental delves deeper into the connection between humanity and the world we inhabit. In symbolic storytelling, learning about other cultures is vital to understand the world.

While I enjoyed Elemental, I’d argue that this film is more for young adults than a child audience. The concept of love is still foreign to a child’s eyes so they may not grasp the idea. As I examined the children in my theater, they were more captivated by the animation and vibrant colors than the underlying messages.

Elemental may vary among audiences but for me, I thought it was a refreshing take on storytelling which elevated it. I laughed at several moments, especially how elements navigated the world. The ending is a bit intense for younger viewers.

Elemental serves as a reminder of the power of love, both romantic and elemental, and the importance of our relationship with the natural world. I highly recommend that you see Elemental in theaters