Elemental brings fire and water together in a touching story of romance.
Set in Element City, where fire, water, land and air-residents live together, Elemental introduces Ember, a tough, quick-witted and fiery young woman whose friendship with a fun, sappy, go-with-the-flow guy named Wade challenges her beliefs about the world they live in. The latest animation from Pixar takes a high-concept setup – a sprawling metropolis, Element City, in which the residents, all made of either fire, water, air or earth, live in strictly segregated neighbourhoods – to explore a universal theme: the need for cultural acceptance and harmony.
The film is visually stunning with exceptional vocal performances that bring the characters to life. The animation is a testament to the talent and dedication of the creative team behind it, captivating audiences with its beauty. Its aesthetic is a seamless blend of fantastical elements and real-world inspirations, immersing the audience in a truly mesmerizing experience.
The story mixes a tender, opposite-side-of-matter romance with an immigrant story. While younger kids might not spark to the depth of that, adding to the commercial hurdles, the mixture should thaw all but the most hardened hearts.
Elemental is a very endearing movie that tackles themes such as generational burdens, parental expectations and honouring legacy, but also shows how to create and chase your own dreams. It does yield moments of magic and beauty – reflecting both the immigrant experience as well as the power of love – worthy of that legacy.
Watching fire and water come together, as portrayed here, it’s hard not to come away feeling a little teary. Ultimately, a solid story told with dazzling visual flair.
Elemental, rated G, plays at the Patricia Theatre from August 18 to 22 at 7 pm, with a matinee on Sunday, August 20, and Tuesday, August 22, at 1:30 pm. Running time is one hour and 42 minutes.
Gary Shilling is executive director of qathet Film Society.
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