Elemental (2023)

 

Opposites attract; quite literally here. With the new animated film from Pixar “Elemental”, we get a variation on the romance trope by using the elements that make up our world. More specifically, fire and water. And while the final product might not be up to standards with, say other Pixar feature films, “Elemental” does do its own unique thing. It may be flawed, but “Elemental” does provide that great and exclusive charm that Pixar is best known for.

The story takes place in Element City, where the four major elements converge: earth, air, water, and fire. However, water and fire do not mix, and that can create some tension. That all changes when a fire spirit named Ember (Leah Lewis) suddenly meets a water person named Wade (Mamoudou Athie). Together, both Ember and Wade find out that there are some things that each of them have in common, and can overcome prejudice that concern the two of them in the city.

“Elemental” is a rather charming animated feature courtesy of Pixar. And I mean that in the best of ways.

First of all, the animation is probably the best to come out of Pixar in quite some time. Seriously, the attention to detail in the backgrounds and the designs of the characters looks astonishing. Also, the characters themselves look amazing, too. From the all of the clouds, tree and plant life, to even how both water and fire characters are featured, it's all breathtaking. Plus, the characters themselves take on the specific element respectively to the highest degree.

As for the characters themselves, they are interesting, as well. Ember, for example, wants to set an example for her father by believing that she can do everything. That is until she meets Wade, and suddenly, her life is thrown to a completely different wall. And speaking of Wade, he is likable due to the fact that he does care about Ember, and tries his hardest to make sure that pretty much everything is right. As for the other characters, they do serve their purpose well, especially the family of Ember delivering a good message about the importance of responsibility.

At almost two hours, you would think the pacing would be an issue. But no. The movie keeps going and delights you at every turn it comes across.

All of the acting in “Elemental” is top notch. From Lewis to Athie who have amazing chemistry (pun intended), to the rest of the cast who deliver great performances. This can be attributed to the direction from Peter Sohn, who delivered exceptional work here. Everything is blocked and set in a way where every viewer can see all of the details put into this animated feature.

But the biggest praise that can be said about the feature, is the music. Composed and conducted by Thomas Newman, the film a vast variety of themes as well as tones. The most obvious being that of a sort of Indian type of music present in the soundtrack. With that in mind, “Elemental” work surprisingly well in the auditory department.

But with all the unique praise given towards the movie, there is one major factor keeping it from being perfect. And that concerns the writing.

Developed by Sohn, and written by John Hoberg, Kat Likkel, and Brenda Hsueh to make a complete narrative, it just feels weak. By this, I mean, while the story does grab your full attention, the dialogue is not worth listening to. Filled with a lot of puns, and some awkward moments, the story just doesn't seem to be important. Plus, there are various plot holes scattered around the feature, intriguing the viewer as to what was cut on the editing floor. For instance, we are told that after Wade's father died, he began to respect life more, but we are never actually shown why. Plus, the lesson about responsibility is brought up a little too much, and the conflict including both Ember and Wade not being together is also repetitive.

But with that in mind, “Elemental” is not a bad movie to go ahead and watch.

In conclusion, while “Elemental” may be flawed due to its writing, there is no doubt this is clearly a great experiment coming from Pixar. Let's hope that opposites attract more often than not in the realm of animation.