Produced by Disney and Pixar, Elemental, directed by Peter Sohn and featuring voices of Leah Lewis, Mamoudou Athie, Ronnie Del Carmen, Shila Ommi, Wendi McLendon-Covey, is a beautifully animated movie that talks about chasing your dreams, facing your fears and finding love.
Ember (the voice of Leah Lewis) helps her father, Bernie (Ronnie del Carmen), run a small store in the 'fire' neighbourhood. Her parents, after moving away from their family, came to Element City in search of a better life. After facing discrimination in a lot of places, they finally find an abandoned building which Bernie repairs with Cinder’s (Ember’s mother) help. Ember considers it her mission to take over the shop from Bernie and let him retire as he is growing old. Along comes Wade (Mamoudou Athie), an inspector from the city who finds that Bernie built the shop without permits and writes them up. Ember embarks on a journey to save their shop with the help of Wade.
The movie discusses several relevant topics, including discrimination and xenophobia still prevalent in society. For instance, because of the discrimination that the fire beings face in Element City as the place favours other three elements— water, earth and wind— Bernie and a heavily pregnant Cinder are unable to find accommodation.
The film also shows two elements, who are not supposed to be mixed, falling in love and striving to make a life together even as they manage their emotions and outbursts.
The animation, showing the interactions of various elements, is spectacular, inviting the viewers to explore each scene and what it portrays—from the reflection of the light to the burning of fire and the vibrant colours of the rainbow. Along with the stunning visuals, the exceptional soundtrack makes the movie all the more enjoyable.
The jokes are funny, and the movie doesn’t shy away from exploring pun-based humour, especially those involving the elements; but these don't end up becoming cringe.
The interactions between each of the elements and what they can do is also explored in the film, with airships filled with air, fire molding and creating glass, water people being able to take any shape and the earth people “pruning” each other.
Not far from some of these studios’ best work, Elemental with a slightly cliched but fun story, good message, and incredible animation is certainly a memorable film that can be rewatched multiple times, in any setting, be it with family, a date or while taking a break, and may even become a part of your child’s ‘childhood.’
Movie: Elemental
Director: Peter Sohn
Cast: Leah Lewis, Mamoudou Athie, Ronnie Del Carmen, Shila Ommi, Wendi McLendon-Covey
Rating: 4/5 stars