‘Elemental’ Review – A Multicultural Rom-Com That Ignites Great Ideals But Barely Scorches The Surface

Synopsis: Disney and Pixar’s “Elemental” is an all-new, original feature film set in Element City, where Fire-, Water-, Earth- and Air-residents live together. The story introduces Ember, a tough, quick-witted and fiery young woman, whose friendship with a fun, sappy, go-with-the-flow guy named Wade challenges her beliefs about the world they live in and the person she wants to be.

Life is too short and too potentially beautiful not to be your authentic self or love who you want. Unless you’re a monster or hate-monger, then keep to yourself. Otherwise, don’t forgo your own happiness to placate or satisfy others. As far as we know, we have one life, that’s one chance to say the right things, make the right connection, and hopefully live the life of your dreams to some extent. Moreover, if you’re too afraid or worried about what others think, you’ll live a life of immense regret. Those closest to you may think they are protecting you when they attempt to steer your ship with unsolicited advice, however, it’s usually rooted in their own fear and or jealousy. People as a whole tend to feel more comfortable with familiarity because the unknown is scary. Therefore, anything new or out of the ordinary makes them reactionary and sometimes in rather ugly ways. But if you lead with calm, kindness, and positivity, things tend to go smoothly. It’s actually quite simple. So open your hearts and minds and let people live.

“Sorry buddy, elements don’t mix.”

No society is perfect but teaching tolerance and acceptance is a step in the right direction and should be an unquestionable necessity. Directed by Peter Sohn, Elemental is a multicultural rom-com that ignites great ideals but barely scorches the surface. With plenty to say and an abundance to work with, this could’ve been one of Pixar’s best films yet. It could’ve been straight fire. In fact, it begins by fanning the flames of what seemed like it would be a go-to film for understanding and community for both adults and children. Instead, it waters down its narrative and opts to dig no deeper than a once-over with a garden hoe. It presents a macro problem while only providing a micro resolution that is disguised as a macro one.

While it is essentially a movie geared mostly toward children, I don’t expect the same level of complexity. However, they too can see the missteps. We regularly don’t recognize how intelligent kids are and what they can comprehend, they notice and question everything. Nevertheless, the messaging and themes are great conversation starters and tools that can be used to teach. The animation is remarkable. It’s creative and vibrant, and the bodies, specifically the hair, of the Fire and Water residents are constantly in motion. It’s extremely impressive.

“Why does anyone get to tell you what to do with your life?!”

Despite some of its shortcomings, the film is enjoyable on many levels. As I mentioned above, Pixar did a phenomenal job with the animation, most of the jokes hit, the chemistry between the protagonists, Ember and Wade is genuine and very grounded, and it’s fun to explore everything going on in the background of Element City. With a world that’s as expansive as Element City looks, it’s a shame that it couldn’t be investigated more. Between its themes of identity, acceptance, independence, and more, this silly love story is also an immigrant story that offers a ton to think about. My biggest beef is that it seems as if the film couldn’t quite decide what it wanted to be. It showed flashes of being able to blend the two storylines but it just didn’t hit. It results in an overall story that feels repetitive and somewhat incomplete. It is by no means a terrible movie, but it’s not Pixar’s best. It’s still cute. However, as my stepson put it, it’s mid-tier, at best. And we really wanted to like it. Its rewatchability is low.

 

Pacing & Pop

While the film loses focus or changes its aim, the pacing is actually well-done. It carries a lively momentum from beginning to end, even in its emotional moments. What popped for me was the creativity behind using elements as a vehicle to discuss xenophobia and racism. It may not have as much depth as it could have, but using elements makes it possible for anyone to insert their culture and experience into the film.

 

Characters & Chemistry

Starring: Leah Lewis as Ember; Mamoudou Athie as Wade; Ronnie del Carmen as Bernie; Shila Ommi as Cinder; Wendi McLendon-Covey as Gale; Catherine O’Hara as Brook; Mason Wertheimer as Clod; and Joe Pera as Fern

The emotional weight can be felt in each performance. It’s what carries the film over the finish line. We can all relate in some way to Ember’s (Leah Lewis) struggles. Whether it’s her struggle for independence, who she wants to date, or how the world around her makes her feel, she’s a fire that burns within us all. Wade on the other hand is the bleeding-heart romantic we have all been or will be. He’s endearing, emotional, sensitive, and loyal. He wants to see the best in everyone and everything while Ember has a more pessimistic worldview due to the hate she has received. It feels very, duality of man-like. The rest of the cast did a fantastic job as well.

Elemental releases in theaters on June 16, 2023. Remain safe and embrace differences.

Rated: PG

Runtime: 1 42m

Director: PETER SOHN

Writers: PETER SOHN, JOHN HOBERG & KAT LIKKEL and BRENDA HSUEH

Producer: DENISE REAM, p.g.a.

Executive Producer: PETE DOCTER

Score: THOMAS NEWMAN

Visual Effects Supervisor: SANJAY BAKSHI

Directors of Photography: DAVID JUAN BIANCHI, JEAN-CLAUDE KALACHE