Pixar has been successful for decades. We’ve seen toys, cars, and garbage-hungry robots come to life in their films. Now it’s time for anthropomorphic elements.
Pixar has been successful for decades. We’ve seen toys, cars, and garbage-hungry robots come to life in their films. Now it’s time for anthropomorphic elements.
Elementary is her new romantic comedy-drama set in the fantastic Element City. Each is made of either fire, water, earth, or air, and they live by one rule: elements don’t mix. Ember Lumen (Leah Lewis) is a hot-headed fire element who meets Wade Ripple (Mamoudou Athie), a juicy water element. As the two fall in love, they consider how to keep their relationship alive when they can’t be together.
Elemental is a return to form for Pixar. It has a sincere story and well-polished characters, and is one of her best films in recent years. Pixar has a lot of love stories, but Ember and Wade’s is one of the best. It’s cute and draws on parallels to the real world — specifically, discrimination against interracial couples.
Peter Sohn – director of The Good Dinosaur – has surpassed his previous work. He builds an original world that lends itself to humor and is supported by vivid colors and rich textures. Many Pixar films deal with heavier subjects, 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 migrate to Element City to open a restaurant, only to find they are a minority in a city not made for them.
Ember is about to inherit the restaurant her parents started, 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 give her a good life. Now she feels trapped in her debt forever. This is a story that should resonate with many second-generation immigrants with complex feelings about their parents.
“Elemental” is a fiery romantic comedy with performances sure to rock the waterworks. Lewis (The Half of It) delivers an excellent turn at the top and Athie (Jurassic World Dominion) follows her every turn. These two are a match made in heaven and make for one of the most intimate relationships Pixar has ever offered. Love transcends all boundaries and that’s what Elemental is all about.
Elemental can feel a bit too heavy-handed at times. Nevertheless, it is a visually immersive film that convinces with its characters. It’s hilarious and touches the heart in the best possible way.
RESULT: 8/10
As explained in ComingSoon’s Rating Guidelines, a rating of 8 equates to Great. Although there are a few minor issues, this rating means the artwork achieves its goal and leaves an unforgettable impression.
Disclosure: ComingSoon attended a press screening for our Elemental review.
