[Movie Review] Disney and Pixar’s Elemental (2023) – Fire and Water Can Mix, With Love

Elemental is a 2023 American computer-animated romantic comedy-drama film produced by Walt Disney Pictures and Pixar Animation Studios. The film features the voices of Leah Lewis, Mamoudou Athie, Ronnie del Carmen, Shila Ommi, Wendi McLendon-Covey, and Catherine O’Hara.

Set in a world inhabited by anthropomorphic elements of nature, the story follows fire element Ember Lumen (Lewis) and water element Wade Ripple (Athie), who meet and fall in love after Wade is summoned by a plumbing accident at a convenience store owned by Ember’s father, Bernie (Del Carmen):

Everyone knows that fire and water do not mix and this is the premise of the love story between Ember and Wade, which they have to overcome together. The film explores themes of love, acceptance, and embracing differences, while also touching on social messages such as following one’s dreams and accepting migrants.

Ember’s father immigrated to Element City, a place where beings of different elements coexist, and set up a successful shop catering to fire people. Ember, taught to stay away from the unwelcome part of the city, encounters Wade when he washes up in her life. Despite their opposing natures, they form a connection and embark on a journey together.

The movie portrays the characters as embodiments of the elements, with vivid animation showcasing their abilities and interactions.

The world of Element City is visually captivating, with vibrant colors and shapes reminiscent of a toy held up to a newborn. The film also features other memorable elemental characters, such as Gale, a wind boss lady crackling with lightning, and Clod, an earth child who surprises Ember with his flower-growing abilities.

The relationship between Ember and Wade is portrayed as a classic case of opposites attracting. Ember bursts into flames at the slightest provocation, while Wade cries buckets at the slightest emotion.

The film emphasises the somewhat cliche notion of the transformative power of love, with the characters realising that “love changes chemistries.”

While Elemental is a decent and personable family entertainment, it seems to follow a formulaic approach. Nothing wrong with this, but the story does come across as feeling familiar and predictable, though still heartwarming nonetheless. We were moved by the ending and my son Asher gave it two thumbs up.

Visually, Elemental is a stunning piece of animation. The character design is adorable, and the animation captures the elemental abilities of the characters in mesmerising ways.

Overall, Elemental is an enjoyable romantic comedy with a unique twist, exploring the love between characters from different elemental backgrounds. While it falls into some familiar storytelling tropes and lacks originality in certain aspects, the film’s stunning animation and heartwarming message make it a worthwhile watch for families and fans of Pixar’s previous works.

I know it may sound cheesy, but by showing in the end that fire and water can mix, with love, Elemental makes for a great date movie for dating couples who are undergoing a rough patch.

Elemental is now showing in Singapore cinemas. Go catch it!