Love can encompass the juxtaposition of fire and ice, the allure of opposites, but can Fire and Water truly experience love? This forms the foundation of Disney-Pixar’s latest film Elemental that presents a love story woven around themes like pursuing one’s dreams, accepting individuals from different backgrounds and finding a new home.
Directed by Peter Sohn, Elemental introduces us to a world where the elements are alive and have distinct personalities. Fire, Water, Air and Earth are animated characters — each with their own traits and quirks — although the focus is largely on Fire and Water.
People belonging to different elemental communities arrive in Element City, a vibrant place filled with colourful and intriguing shapes, where they can make a new beginning. However, not all the elements coexist harmoniously; the fire creatures are looked down upon.
Among those who arrive in Element City at the start of the film are Fire creatures Bernie and Cindy Lumen, voiced by Ronnie Del Carmen and Shila Ommi respectively. They establish a shop in Fire Town, a district of the city. They have a bright and spirited teenage daughter named Ember (voiced by Leah Lewis), who they hope will take over the family business in the future.
One day when Ember is left alone to manage the shop, her explosive temper causes a mishap leading to the water pipes to burst. Through the cracks emerges the Water creature Wade Ripple (voiced by Mamoudou Athie), a government building inspector with the authority to penalise the Lumen family.
Wade, however, is a silly, sentimental romantic, and his watery nature is primarily represented by his tendency to shed tears. He falls in love with Ember but needs to convince Ember about his feelings and win the trust of her sceptical parents while also helping her save her shop.
The most delightful moments of Elemental involve Ember and Wade cautiously exploring each other’s environments. Ember is captivated by Wade’s unwavering confidence and the fact that he can travel to any part of the city without being frowned upon, although she secretly resents it. On the other hand, Wade discovers purpose in supporting her as she navigates a society inclined to view her as a distraction, off-putting (due to her penchant for spicy food) and dangerous (for her frequent flare-ups).
Disney-Pixar’s attention to detail is evident in the way they bring these elements to life, from the flickering flames of Fire to the graceful fluidity of Water. The animation is simply mesmerising, with vibrant colours and fluid motion transporting you to this fantastical world.
What sets Elemental apart is its ability to strike a balance between humour and heart. The witty banter between the elements, especially the fiery and mischievous Fire creatures, keeps the film lighthearted and entertaining. Yet, beneath the surface, there’s a deep emotional resonance as Ember faces personal challenges and grapples with the responsibility bestowed upon her.
The film’s soundtrack, composed by Thomas Newman, enhances the enchanting atmosphere. The music weaves seamlessly with the narrative, elevating the emotional impact of pivotal moments and filling the scenes with a sense of wonder. There’s a heartwarming scuba dive scene with no dialogue and only Newman’s soothing, partially acoustic melody that creates an ambience of tranquillity.
While Elemental showcases Disney-Pixar’s signature storytelling prowess, it also explores profound themes such as the assimilation of migrants, racism, the power of unity, and the importance of embracing one’s true self. These universal messages are subtly interwoven into the fabric of the story, allowing both children and adults to find meaning and inspiration in their journey alongside Ember.
