In a city where fire, water, land, and air residents live together, a fiery young woman and a go-with-the-flow guy discover something elemental: how much they actually have in common.
Pixar's latest offering, Elemental, once again proves the studio's remarkable ability to infuse its animations with profound emotional depth. With each film, Pixar manages to tap into unexplored corners of our hearts, making us ponder subjects we've never considered before. Elemental follows suit, cleverly using its heartwarming rom-com veneer to delve into an array of significant issues including cultural clashes, systemic racism, classism, segregation, and immigrant experiences, all while maintaining a universal charm that leaves a lasting impact.
Directed by Peter Sohn, who draws from his personal background as the child of Korean immigrants and his own cross-cultural marriage, the film reflects a mosaic of inspirations from his life. This infusion of real-world experiences and cultural perspectives enhances the authenticity of the story, making it more than just an animated tale but a resonant exploration of societal nuances.
Inevitably, Elemental finds itself measured against the backdrop of Pixar's remarkable filmography. With its energetic visual style and emotional resonance, the movie rises to the challenge of surpassing initial expectations, successfully navigating through a slower exposition-laden first act. Drawing tonal parallels with acclaimed works like Inside Out and Zootropolis, the film capitalizes on its vibrant energy to craft an engaging narrative that captivates from start to finish.
Central to the film's thematic richness is the juxtaposition of the fire people and the water people. The fire people, brought to life with a fusion of Asian, Middle Eastern, North African, and Eastern European influences, stand as symbolic outcasts, marginalized due to their potentially destructive nature. In contrast, the water people, emblematic of privilege, enjoy the freedom to express their emotions without judgment. This dynamic serves as a potent vehicle for exploring themes of racism, classism, and societal prejudices.
Elemental paints a vivid picture of Element City, a high-concept metropolis where fire, water, earth, and air elements coexist despite their supposed incompatibility. This juxtaposition serves as a clever metaphor for the persistence of racism and discrimination in a diverse society. The fire family's journey as outcasts finding a home in this diverse city is both touching and poignant, highlighting the resilience and strength that marginalized communities often demonstrate.
While the narrative's stakes initially centre around seemingly mundane elements like plumbing, permits, and maintenance, these elements merely serve as a backdrop to a burgeoning romance that anchors the film. The elemental beings, with their unique challenges and emotions, are masterfully humanized, transcending their fantastical origins to become deeply relatable characters. The film's clever wordplay, infused with fire and water terminology, strikes a delicate balance between humour and significance, culminating in a beautifully nuanced portrayal of love's complexities between seemingly opposing forces.
Visually stunning, Elemental enchants audiences with its lush colours and entrancing imagery. The acoustic original score by Thomas Newman enhances the emotional resonance, underscoring both the film's poignant and lighthearted moments. Despite the narrative's eventual predictability, the film's thematic depth and genuine character portrayals ensure a powerful and memorable viewing experience.
In the end, Elemental emerges as more than just a predictable rom-com; it's a poignant exploration of identity, love, and society. As is often the case with Pixar's works, the film prompts a range of emotions from laughter to empathy, and even to tears. Its gradual pacing, akin to a slow burn, contributes to its ability to deeply resonate with viewers. By the film's conclusion, the emotional journey of its characters becomes ours, leaving an enduring imprint.
Pixar's Elemental might adhere to a familiar storytelling structure, yet its thematic complexity, emotional resonance, and endearing characters elevate it to something truly remarkable. Amidst its vivid imagery and masterful storytelling, the film encapsulates the studio's magical touch—crafting stories that entertain, provoke thought, and ultimately resonate on a deeply human level.
Elemental was released in NZ cinemas on June 22, 2023