Elemental is the latest film from Pixar, the animation studio behind classics like Toy Story, Up, and Inside Out. The film tells the story of a fire family who immigrates to Element City, a metropolis where different natural elements coexist in separate districts. There, they face discrimination and prejudice from the water people, who dominate the city and its infrastructure. The film also explores the romance between Ember (voiced by Leah Lewis), a fire girl who dreams of becoming a chef, and Rain (voiced by Mamoudou Athie), a water boy who works as a journalist.
The film has a timely and ambitious premise that tackles themes of immigration, assimilation, and tolerance, but critics have been divided on its execution. Some praised the film for its stunning animation, heartfelt characters, and genuine romance, while others criticized it for its messy world-building, predictable plot, and clumsy metaphors. The film has received mixed reviews from major publications like The Hollywood Reporter, Roger Ebert, and IndieWire.
Elemental is directed by Peter Sohn, who previously helmed The Good Dinosaur, and written by John Hoberg, Kat Likkel, and Brenda Hsueh. The film features an ensemble voice cast that includes Ronnie Del Carmen, Shila Ommi, Wendi McLendon-Covey, and Catherine
Here are some of the critics’ opinions:
– “At its best, Pixar is unbeatable, making clever, charming, and brightly original films to touch the heart and spark the imagination. And so it’s been dispiriting to see the animation studio behind such emotive triumphs as “Toy Story,” “Ratatouille,” “Up,” and “Inside Out” — among the best films of their respective years, bar none — recently fall short of its past standard of excellence.” – Isaac Feldberg, Roger Ebert
– “In Elemental, Pixar’s usual ambitious leap into the unknown is more of a safe dip into calm waters — water being one of the four elements driving the story, although only two of them really count here — and much about it seems familiar.” – Jordan Mintzer, The Hollywood Reporter
– “The film’s central romance is sweetly rendered and genuinely affecting; Lewis and Athie have lovely chemistry as Ember and Rain. And Sohn’s direction is at its most assured when he’s focusing on their relationship.” – David Ehrlich, IndieWire
