Pixar Animation Studios has always been its strongest when it operates as both a teacher and entertainer. Ever since their beginnings with Toy Story (1995), the best Pixar films teach children new ways of understanding the world around them. In the case of the Toy Story series, they illustrate the age-old tale of friendship. For many years after that, Pixar movies focused on conveying these simple lessons in the most imaginative ways possible. From deep into the bottom of the ocean to the far reaches of space, it is this creativity that pulled so many audience members in and kept them coming back with each new story.

Over time, the concepts that Pixar was interested in exploring became more mature and more existential. Both Inside Out (2015) and Coco (2017) tackle huge conversations like emotions and death in a way that makes it easy for anyone of any age to understand. Pixar’s ability to transform complex subject matter using its endless creativity is its biggest strength. That is also the strength of their newest project: Elemental (2023). 

If all of the films that Pixar has ever made were to be summarized like “Baby’s First” books, Elemental would be Baby’s first romantic comedy. Taking inspiration from all of the romantic comedies that have come before it, this film feels very much in conversation with those kinds of stories. For example, there is the classic dating montage sequence in the middle of the film, complete with an original song as well! For any audience members who have seen enough of this genre, this film may feel like a reductive rendition of story tropes and archetypes.

What sets it apart, as with all of Pixar’s filmography, is its attention to visual detail. The world that director Peter Sohn and the entire creative team made for this film is on a whole new level for Pixar. They have created a fully realized cityscape packed with citizens of all kinds. This beautiful achievement is a blessing and a curse to this film. With so much attention paid to creating this bustling city, making the film’s story an intimate romance can feel like wasted potential at times. With so many potential avenues left unexplored, it left me longing for more adventure and discovery. 

Elemental is told through the perspective of Ember (Leah Lewis), a fiery young woman whose anger is impeding her from taking over her family’s shop. At the same time, she begins seeing Wade (Mamoudou Athie), a go-with-the-flow kind of guy that completely changes Ember’s perspective on life. The success of the film hinges on their relationship, and it absolutely delivers. Along with two wonderful voice performances, Ember and Wade are two fully realized personalities. Their chemistry brings so much life throughout this film’s runtime.

It is important to note that since this film is from Ember’s perspective, the audience is not exposed to the land or air culture nearly as much as the fire or water (to a lesser extent). This is another instance where the film shows so much to its viewers but isn’t interested in showing everything there is to offer. This did not affect my personal experience with the film since the film’s focus was always on Ember’s personal journey. Elemental is more interested in treating Element City like a movie filmed in New York City. The setting plays a part in the film, but it is not the driving force in the story. If the setting wasn’t rendered so gorgeously, then I’m sure this wouldn’t be a concern at all. 

The very real themes of immigration, bigotry, and mixing cultures are all clearly at the forefront of this film. More than almost any other Pixar film, Elemental speaks openly about these authentic issues, and it is a major strength. As previously mentioned, the elemental beings in this film are meant to be a direct mirror of the real world. This may come off as an excessive use of metaphor to some, but it is also a great visual representation for younger audiences. This film teaches young people the beauty that comes with everyone’s differences. Just like Inside Out with teaching young people how to better understand their emotions, and Coco providing a new perspective on what passing away can look like. Although this film may have an embarrassment of riches, the theme, story, and characters intertwine so well together. 

Review Courtesy of Gabe Lillianthal

Feature Image via Disney/PIXAR