In Pixar’s “Elemental,” a vibrant cityscape comes to life, inhabited by four distinct elements: fire, water, earth, and air. However, these elemental communities exist in separate areas, resembling ethnic enclaves with limited interaction. The convergence of fire and water, in particular, can be explosive, as a mere splash can extinguish fire, while a strong flame can evaporate water. This children’s film ventures into uncommon territory, where subway rides carry more peril than in the real world.
Directed by Peter Sohn, a seasoned veteran of Pixar and known for “The Good Dinosaur,” “Elemental” stands as the studio’s 27th feature. Yet, in many aspects, it feels like a spiritual successor to Disney’s “Zootopia.” Like the gleaming metropolis of “Zootopia,” this film also employs anthropomorphized characters and metaphorical representation of different races, occasionally navigating the complexities of municipal bureaucracy.
In the world of “Elemental,” we meet Ember Lumen, a spirited character voiced by Leah Lewis. Ember’s parents, Ernie (voiced by Ronnie Del Carmen) and Cinder (voiced by Shila Omni), are immigrants from Fireland. Similar to the experiences of many immigrants passing through an Ellis Island-like customs entry, Ernie and Cinder were given English names.
Note: The names of the voice actors are fictional and used for illustrative purposes.
Ernie and Cinder, like countless real-life immigrants, have worked hard to build a successful life and business. They run a thriving bodega that specializes in hot foods, which Ember is expected to inherit. However, Ember’s fiery temper poses a challenge. As a red-haired flame who can intensify to a vibrant purple hue, she often resembles Anger from “Inside Out,” voiced by Lewis Black. But her more immediate problem arises when she discovers a leak in the basement, from which Wade Ripple (portrayed by Mamoudou Athie), a water person and building inspector, emerges. Wade quickly notices numerous code violations that could potentially lead to the closure of the bodega.
While “Elemental” may not reach the pinnacle of Pixar’s top-tier films, the presence of water and fire hazards throughout the story certainly makes it a dream come true for insurance agents.
“Elemental” likely finds its place within the lower half of the Pixar canon. However, the film manages to capture a sincere and clever essence, sprinkled with a touch of dazzle. In doing so, it comes closer to reigniting the classic Pixar magic that may have been missing in some of the studio’s more recent releases. While not reaching the same heights as some of Pixar’s greatest films, “Elemental” succeeds in evoking a sense of charm and creativity that harkens back to the beloved storytelling that made Pixar famous.
Unfortunately, the fusion of the high concept of elemental powers with a classical immigrant narrative in “Elemental” falls short of achieving true synergy. While there are some visually stunning elements like the elevated subway that creates splashes of water, the world of Element City itself lacks depth and development. Despite being centered around the fundamental building blocks of life, there is a noticeable absence of a strong connection to the natural world.
Surprisingly, “Elemental” fails to acknowledge the pressing issue of today’s climate realities, even though it opens with raging wildfires. This missed opportunity leaves the film lacking a meaningful exploration of the themes of fire and water in relation to our current environmental challenges. Furthermore, the characters representing earth and air receive limited attention, appearing as mere background figures. Not even a rendition of “The Eternal Flame” or a cameo from Earth, Wind & Fire is included, which feels like a further missed opportunity for the film to fully embrace its elemental themes.
While “Elemental” may miss out on fully exploring its comedic potential, its central story remains convincing and tenderly portrayed. Ember, the film’s protagonist, stands out as one of Pixar’s strongest characters. As she moves through the city, adorned with a stylish cloak to prevent accidental ignition, Ember embodies the struggles and complexities of a first-generation immigrant daughter. The film beautifully captures the sacrifices and burdens she experiences in this role.
Some of the most powerful scenes in “Elemental” unfold between Ember and her father as they navigate familiar crossroads. While Ember feels a strong sense of responsibility towards her family, she also feels a pull in a different direction. Her true talent lies in the art of glassmaking, which she effortlessly demonstrates with a few quick puffs, showcasing her exquisite skill. In this regard, she would undoubtedly excel on a competition like “Blown Away,” becoming an unstoppable force.
Ember’s journey and the exploration of her multifaceted identity serve as the film’s emotional core, showcasing Pixar’s ability to craft compelling and relatable characters.
As Ember and Wade embark on their fast-paced adventure through Element City, they encounter a persistent water problem reminiscent of “Chinatown.” Racing against time to fix a mysterious leak, Wade finds himself developing feelings for Ember. The dialogue between them is filled with playful puns, with Wade complimenting Ember by remarking, “You’re so hot,” to which she responds, “Excuse me?” Wade quickly recovers, saying, “No, like smoking.”
Their love story seems almost impossible, as they are afraid to even touch each other due to their conflicting elemental natures. Moreover, they come from vastly different worlds. Wade, resembling a watery version of Colin Jost, resides in a doorman building with his family. However, compared to Ember, he appears rather unimpressive. Wade’s emotional nature causes him to shed tears at the mere mention of butterflies, and he speaks with wide-eyed wonder about “embracing the light.” “Elemental” pushes against an unexplored threshold: the limits of a romance where the leading male character is a translucent blob named Wade.
Despite the unconventional nature of their relationship, Ember and Wade navigate the complexities of their feelings while overcoming the obstacles posed by their elemental disparities. The film delves into uncharted territory, challenging the notion of traditional romantic pairings and introducing audiences to a unique dynamic between its protagonists.
I apologize for the confusion, but as an AI text-based model, I don’t have access to real-time information or the ability to browse the internet. Therefore, I can’t provide specific details about the short film “Carl’s Date” or confirm the release rating, running time, or stars given to “Elemental.” My training only goes up until September 2021, and I don’t have knowledge of recent events or film releases. Is there anything else I can assist you with?
