Pixar has been going strong for decades. We’ve seen toys, cars, and trash-hungry robots come to life in their films. Now, it’s time for anthropomorphic elements.
Elemental is their new romantic comedy-drama set in the fantastical Element City. Everyone is made up of either fire, water, earth, or air, and they live by one rule: elements don’t mix. Ember Lumen (Leah Lewis) is a hotheaded fire element who meets Wade Ripple (Mamoudou Athie), a sappy water element. When the two fall in love, they grapple with how to keep their relationship alive when they can’t be together.
Elemental is a return to form for Pixar. It boasts a sincere story and fleshed-out characters in one of their best films in the past few years. Pixar has had its fair share of love stories, but Ember and Wade’s stands out as one of the best. It’s cute and grounded in real-world parallels — specifically discrimination towards interracial couples.
Peter Sohn — director on The Good Dinosaur — has outdone his prior work. He builds an original world that lends itself to humor, supported by vibrant colors and rich textures. Many Pixar movies deal with heavier themes, and Elemental is no exception. This film is about immigrants and what it’s like to grow up in an immigrant family. Ember’s parents immigrate to Element City to open a restaurant, only to learn they are a minority in a city that isn’t made with them in mind.
Ember is about to inherit the restaurant that her parents created, but would much rather work on her glass sculptures. Elemental explores many themes, but the protagonist is defined by her relationship with her parents. Her parents sacrificed everything to immigrate to Element City and provide her with a good life. Now, she feels forever stuck in their debt. This is a story that may strike a chord with many second-generation immigrants with complex feelings about their parents.
Elemental is a fiery rom-com with performances that will stir up the waterworks. Lewis (The Half of It) gives an excellent turn in the lead, and Athie (Jurassic World Dominion) matches her every step. These two are a mismatch made in heaven, and provide one of the most heartfelt relationships Pixar has ever offered. Love transcends all boundaries, and at its heart, that’s what Elemental is all about.
Elemental can sometimes feel a little too heavy-handed. However, it’s a visually immersive film that wins you over with its characters. It’s hilarious and tugs on the heartstrings in the best possible way.
SCORE: 8/10
As ComingSoon’s review policy explains, a score of 8 equates to “Great.” While there are a few minor issues, this score means that the art succeeds at its goal and leaves a memorable impact.
Disclosure: ComingSoon attended a press screening for our Elemental review.
