“Elemental” (2023) is an animated fantasy film produced by Pixar Animation Studios and released by Walt Disney Pictures. Directed by Peter Sohn, the film explores themes of diversity, belonging, and the power of understanding, set in a vibrant, imaginative world where the four classical elements—fire, water, earth, and air—are personified as characters. The film brings a fresh perspective on relationships, family, and identity, showcasing Pixar’s trademark heartwarming storytelling and visually stunning animation.

Plot Summary

In the city of Element City, the four elements coexist in distinct districts, each dedicated to a specific element—Fire, Water, Earth, and Air—with each element representing a unique community and culture. The story centers on Ember Lumen (voiced by Leah Lewis), a passionate and fiery young woman from the Fire District who has dreams of running her family’s shop, Lumen’s Grocery Store, which has been passed down through generations. Ember is fierce, determined, and sometimes quick-tempered, but she is also loving and protective of her family.

Ember’s life takes an unexpected turn when she meets Wade Ripple (voiced by Mamoudou Athie), a laid-back and good-natured water guy who works as a city inspector. Wade is the polar opposite of Ember—calm, easy-going, and fluid in nature. Initially, Ember and Wade clash due to their elemental differences, with Ember’s fiery nature often creating tension and Wade’s watery tendencies causing problems in their interactions. However, as they spend more time together, they begin to discover that their differences might not be so insurmountable after all.

The core of the plot revolves around Ember’s personal journey of self-discovery, as she navigates her relationship with Wade and her role in her family’s business. As she grows closer to Wade, Ember begins to question what she truly wants from life and whether she can balance her aspirations with her loyalty to her family. The film also touches on themes of immigration, with Ember’s family being one of many in Element City who come from different backgrounds, and her desire to fit in and succeed in a world that doesn’t always understand her.

Key Themes

1. Diversity and Acceptance: One of the film’s central themes is the exploration of diversity and how differences in background, culture, and identity can shape relationships. Ember and Wade’s relationship highlights how understanding and empathy can bridge gaps between people from different walks of life, or in this case, different elements. Their journey is a metaphor for navigating societal divides and finding common ground despite differences.
2. Belonging and Family: Ember’s internal conflict is about balancing her love for her family and their expectations with her personal desires and aspirations. She wants to take her own path but is torn by the responsibility of continuing her family’s business. The theme of family loyalty versus personal growth is explored deeply in the film, as Ember must decide whether to follow her heart or live up to her family’s legacy.
3. Identity and Self-Discovery: Elemental is ultimately about Ember’s journey of self-discovery. Throughout the film, she learns to understand and embrace who she is—not just as a daughter or as a part of her family’s business, but as an individual with dreams, desires, and the potential to make her own path. The film portrays her emotional growth as she realizes that her worth isn’t defined solely by her family’s expectations.
4. Balancing Opposites: The contrast between fire and water—Ember and Wade—serves as a symbolic representation of how opposing forces can complement each other. The film explores how seemingly incompatible elements can work together to create something beautiful, reflecting the complexity of relationships and the idea that differences can be strengths rather than obstacles.

Character Development and Performances

• Ember Lumen (Leah Lewis): Ember is a spirited and passionate character, whose fiery nature is both her strength and her challenge. Leah Lewis brings depth and energy to the role, capturing Ember’s determination, her struggles with family loyalty, and her growth as a person. Ember’s evolution from a stubborn young woman to someone who learns to embrace her identity and make her own decisions is the heart of the film.
• Wade Ripple (Mamoudou Athie): Wade, the gentle and easygoing water character, is the perfect foil to Ember’s fiery personality. Mamoudou Athie brings warmth and charm to the role, with his portrayal of Wade’s calm, understanding demeanor contrasting beautifully with Ember’s intensity. Wade serves as a grounding influence on Ember, helping her see things from a new perspective.
• Ember’s Family: Ember’s parents, Bernie (voiced by Ronnie del Carmen) and Cammie (voiced by Shila Nungaray), are central to the film’s family dynamics. Their role in Ember’s life and the family business is significant, as they represent the traditional expectations that Ember feels obligated to meet. The film portrays their love for Ember but also the generational divide in terms of values and aspirations.

Visuals and Animation

As expected from a Pixar film, Elemental is visually stunning. The animation beautifully brings to life the distinct personalities of the elements. The world of Element City is creatively designed, with each district feeling unique— the Fire District is warm and glowing, with fiery hues and intense energy, while the Water District is cool and fluid, with translucent, flowing designs. The contrast between the elements, particularly the interplay between fire and water, is reflected in the animation style and adds to the visual storytelling.

Pixar’s attention to detail in the character designs is also remarkable. Ember’s fiery look is reflected in her glowing red hair and warm colors, while Wade’s design, with his watery features and fluid movements, brings his character to life in a way that reflects his calm, adaptive nature.

Music and Soundtrack

The film’s music, composed by Thomas Newman, is evocative and helps amplify the emotional tone of the story. The music complements the film’s lush visuals and intensifies the emotional stakes of Ember’s journey. The use of sound also plays an important role in differentiating the elements, with the crackling of fire and the fluid sounds of water adding an immersive layer to the world-building.

The score is as integral to the film as the characters themselves, helping set the emotional undertones and driving the story forward. Songs and instrumental tracks match the tone of each scene—whether it’s the building tension between the characters or the quieter, more reflective moments of self-discovery.

Reception and Legacy

Elemental received generally positive reviews from critics and audiences, who praised its heartfelt themes, stunning animation, and the emotional depth of its characters. The film resonated particularly well with audiences who appreciated its exploration of diversity, belonging, and the immigrant experience, which are universally relevant themes.

Although Elemental did not become the massive cultural phenomenon that some other Pixar films achieved, it was still widely regarded as a solid addition to Pixar’s filmography, appreciated for its unique approach to storytelling and its ability to convey meaningful messages through engaging characters and stunning visuals.

Fun Facts

• Inspiration: The concept for Elemental was inspired by Pixar’s desire to explore the theme of how seemingly incompatible elements—such as fire and water—can coexist and complement each other. Director Peter Sohn, who has a background in animation and storytelling, used the metaphor of the elements to explore themes of conflict, cooperation, and understanding.
• Voice Cast: The film features a diverse cast, with Leah Lewis and Mamoudou Athie voicing the lead characters, Ember and Wade. The voices were carefully chosen to bring a sense of authenticity and depth to the characters, with the aim of reflecting different aspects of identity and emotional expression.

Conclusion

Elemental (2023) is a visually stunning, heartwarming film from Pixar that explores the complexities of identity, family, and relationships through the metaphor of the four elements. With a story about understanding differences and finding common ground, it resonates deeply with audiences of all ages. Its beautiful animation, memorable characters, and emotional depth make it a standout addition to Pixar’s legacy of films that balance heart with thought-provoking messages.