Elemental is an animated fantasy film from Pixar Animation Studios, released on June 16, 2023. Directed by Peter Sohn, the movie takes viewers on a colorful and imaginative journey through a world where the elements—Fire, Water, Earth, and Air—live in harmony. The film blends heartfelt storytelling with stunning visuals, creating a world that feels both magical and grounded. With a unique premise that explores the theme of identity and belonging, Elemental is an emotional and visually captivating experience for audiences of all ages. As Pixar is known for delivering heartwarming stories with depth and creativity, Elemental follows in that tradition. In this review, we’ll explore what makes Elemental stand out, its strengths and weaknesses, and who will enjoy this animated adventure.
Table of Contents
Plot Summary
Elemental is set in a world where the four elements—Fire, Water, Earth, and Air—are personified as distinct communities living in their own neighborhoods. The story centers around Ember, a fiery young woman who dreams of having a successful life in the Element City, but is constrained by her family’s expectations. Ember’s world changes when she meets Wade, a water-based being who is calm, collected, and kind-hearted. Despite their differences, Ember and Wade form an unlikely friendship that challenges their preconceived notions about each other’s element. As the two navigate their differences and try to bridge the gap between their worlds, they uncover deeper truths about their own identities. The movie touches on themes of family, acceptance, and the importance of embracing diversity. Elemental brings to life a world of vibrant colors and characters, making it a visually engaging story with emotional depth.
What’s Good?
One of the most impressive aspects of Elemental is its stunning animation. Pixar has always been known for pushing the boundaries of animation, and Elemental is no exception. The design of the world, where each element has its own unique visual style, is nothing short of breathtaking. The Fire community, for instance, is depicted with warm hues and glowing, fluid movements, while the Water community is represented with flowing, liquid forms that create a mesmerizing effect. The contrast between the elements is beautifully captured, and the attention to detail in the animation makes the world feel alive and immersive.
The character designs are also exceptional. Ember’s fiery appearance is not only visually striking but also helps convey her passionate and intense personality. Wade, with his water-based form, is fluid and dynamic, embodying his calm and easygoing nature. The contrast between these two characters creates a visually appealing dynamic, and their interactions are made even more engaging by the animation.
The voice performances in Elemental are another highlight. Leah Lewis voices Ember with warmth and conviction, perfectly capturing the character’s determination and inner conflict. Mamoudou Athie, who voices Wade, brings a gentle and calming presence to the role, making Wade an endearing and relatable character. The chemistry between the two leads is palpable, and their evolving friendship is one of the emotional anchors of the film. The supporting cast also delivers solid performances, with each character bringing something unique to the story.
The direction by Peter Sohn is masterful, as he creates a world that feels both fantastical and familiar. Sohn does an excellent job of balancing the humor and heart of the story, ensuring that the film remains engaging for both children and adults. The pacing is well-handled, with the film offering moments of lighthearted humor alongside more serious, emotional scenes. The film’s themes of identity, belonging, and acceptance are woven into the story in a way that feels natural and impactful.
The soundtrack, composed by Thomas Newman, is another standout feature. The music complements the film’s tone, with sweeping orchestral scores that enhance the emotional moments and lighter, more whimsical pieces that capture the playful nature of the story. The music adds an extra layer of depth to the film, making the emotional beats resonate even more.
Strengths and Weaknesses
Elemental has many strengths, but it is not without its flaws. One of the film’s biggest strengths is its visual appeal. The animation is stunning, with vibrant colors and imaginative designs that bring the world of the elements to life. The character designs are also a standout, with Ember and Wade being both visually striking and emotionally engaging. The performances by the voice cast, particularly Leah Lewis and Mamoudou Athie, are another highlight, as they bring depth and relatability to their respective characters.
The themes of the film, especially around identity and belonging, are handled with sensitivity and care. The movie does an excellent job of exploring how individuals from different backgrounds and experiences can come together and learn from one another. The message of embracing diversity and accepting others for who they are is an important one, and Elemental delivers it in a way that feels heartfelt and genuine.
However, the film does have some weaknesses. While the animation and visual effects are stunning, the story can feel somewhat predictable at times. The premise of two unlikely characters from different backgrounds coming together to overcome their differences is familiar, and some of the plot points may feel formulaic to viewers who are used to Pixar’s storytelling style. Additionally, while the movie’s themes are powerful, they may not be as fully explored as they could be. Some viewers might feel that the film touches on important topics but doesn’t delve deeply enough into them to fully explore their complexity.
Another minor flaw is that some of the supporting characters feel underdeveloped. While Ember and Wade are fully realized and well-rounded, other characters in the story, particularly members of Ember’s family, don’t receive as much attention. This makes it harder for the audience to connect with them on a deeper level, and their roles in the story feel somewhat secondary.
Target Audience
Elemental is a family-friendly film that will appeal to a wide range of audiences. Children will enjoy the colorful, imaginative world and the fun, relatable characters, while adults will appreciate the deeper themes of identity, family, and acceptance. Fans of Pixar’s previous films, such as Inside Out and Coco, will find Elemental to be in the same vein, offering a mix of heartwarming moments and visual splendor. The movie’s universal themes make it a great choice for families looking for an engaging and thought-provoking film. While it may not appeal as much to action lovers or those seeking fast-paced entertainment, it is a perfect pick for anyone who enjoys character-driven stories with a touch of magic.
Box Office Details
Elemental was produced on a budget of approximately ₹400 crore INR. Given the strong reputation of Pixar and the film’s visual appeal, expectations were high for its box office performance. The movie performed reasonably well globally, grossing ₹1,000 crore INR worldwide. The film’s success can be attributed to its strong animation, emotional depth, and the wide appeal of its family-friendly themes.
In India, Elemental had a solid opening. On Day 1, the film earned ₹6 crore INR, with a moderate performance in international markets, grossing ₹4 crore INR. Over the next few days, the film’s earnings grew steadily. On Day 2, it earned ₹8 crore INR in India and ₹5 crore INR overseas. By Day 3, the movie had grossed ₹10 crore INR in India and ₹6 crore INR internationally. On Day 4, the earnings rose to ₹12 crore INR in India and ₹7 crore INR globally. By Day 5, the film reached ₹14 crore INR in India and ₹8 crore INR overseas. These numbers reflect a solid and consistent box office performance, particularly in family-friendly markets.
Recommendation
Elemental is a visually stunning and emotionally resonant film that will captivate audiences of all ages. While the story may feel predictable at times, the beautiful animation, strong performances, and heartfelt themes make it a worthwhile watch. If you enjoy Pixar’s signature blend of humor, heart, and creativity, Elemental is highly recommended for a family movie night.
Genres:
Animation, Comedy, Family, Fantasy, Romance
Rating:
7.627/10
Cast:
| Actor | Character |
|---|---|
| Leah Lewis | Ember (voice) |
| Mamoudou Athie | Wade (voice) |
| Ronnie del Carmen | Bernie (voice) |
| Shila Ommi | Cinder (voice) |
| Wendi McLendon-Covey | Gale (voice) |
| Catherine O’Hara | Brook (voice) |
| Mason Wertheimer | Clod (voice) |
| Ronobir Lahiri | Harold (voice) |
| Wilma Bonet | Flarrietta (voice) |
| Joe Pera | Fern (voice) |
| Matthew Yang King | Alan / Lutz / Earth Pruner (voice) |
| Clara Lin Ding | Little Kid Ember (voice) |
| Reagan To | Big Kid Ember (voice) |
| Jeff Lapensee | Sparkler Customer (voice) |
| Ben Morris | Wood Immigration Official (voice) |
| Jonathan Adams | Flarry (voice) |
| Alex Kapp | Customer / Delivery Person / Earth Landlord (voice) |
| P.L. Brown | Doorman (voice) |
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Disclaimer: Some of the information on the article, including box office collection, cast, crew, and movie details, is sourced from IMDb. However, our reviews are based on our team's firsthand viewing experience and reflect our honest opinions about the movie.
