“ELEMENTAL” takes you on a journey through Element City, where people of different elemental backgrounds like fire, water, earth, and air characters live side by side in mostly sequestered harmony. Elemental is director Peter Sohn’s second feature, coming eight years after The Good Dinosaur. There is, however, a beating heart here, and the framework is basically good as Ember who is Fire and Wade who is water, embody the film’s central characters and let us know that we are more alike than we realize.

The premise of Elemental is at its core quite straightforward: Elements do not mix. But what happens when Ember Lumen (Leah Lewis), a fiery and hot-headed young woman who loses her temper when mad, meets Wade Ripple (Mamoudou Athie), a nice guy who as a city inspector, is the one who shows up when water pipes in Ember’s family store explode. As the two humanoid elements get to know each other and their romance blossoms, they influence each other and grow together as Wade introduces her to the multicultural world of Element City outside of her ethnically isolated neighborhood. More importantly, Ember realizes that her dreams and aspirations may not align with the future she believes her parents have envisioned for her. She’s bound by the traditions of her parents, Bernie (Ronnie del Carmen) and Cinder (Shila Ommi), as they remind her constantly of the adage that’s been drilled into her her entire life “Elements don’t mix.”

Still, they fall for each other, prompting a dating montage and Ember’s awkward visit to a Ripple family dinner with Brooke Ripple (Catherine O’Hara), warmly welcoming Ember to their luxury apartment building. The restrained romance is backed by a sense of danger, suggesting that if Ember touches Wade, he’ll boil and evaporate, or alternatively, his water will put out her flame and that’s not the only allusion to romantic chemistry of the chemical reaction when Ember and Wade finally touch. The world-building in “Elemental” is stunning. The city itself is a visual feast, with each element having its own distinct architecture and style. From skyscrapers covered in lush greenery to water slides and wind-powered homes, every detail immerses you in this vibrant and enchanting world.

The film’s portrayal of how the elements interact is both amusing and touching. Whether it’s a water-being’s sneeze causing a flower to sprout under one little neighbor Clod (Mason Wertheimer) arms as he’s ‘growing up’ or Ember’s intense heat affecting others around her – these moments showcase the intricate relationships between the elemental residents. They provide a delightful blend of entertainment and insight into the film’s underlying plot. There is also a fun side plot with Gale (Wendi McClendon-Covey), as Wade’s boss at work and how she first hinders, then helps the couple move towards their end goal.

While the hint of romance between Ember and Wade adds an extra layer of intrigue, “Elemental” is so much more than just a love story. It delves deep into Ember’s personal journey as she navigates the city and tries to form meaningful connections. The character development is strong, and you can’t help but cheer for Ember and Wade as they face their challenges and strive to make a positive impact on their community.

“Elemental” isn’t perfect, but it is a sweet story that was lovely to watch as it’s a captivating story that reminds us of the incredible strength found in unity and the beauty of finding common ground in a diverse world.  It’s an adorable, heartfelt family film about the immigrant experience told in a way kids can understand, an animated romantic comedy anyone can enjoy that doesn’t go too overtly hard on its messages of racial and class dynamics, instead opting for a universally digestible “love is love” mentality.

Grade: B-

Side note: the cute follow up to Carl from ‘UP‘ story, “Carl’s Date” previews before the showing of the film as it’s just a lovely little short!

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“ELEMENTAL” FROM DISNEY/PIXAR PICTURES IS OUT IN THEATERS FRIDAY, JUNE 16, 2023

Review Screening: Saturday, June 10, 2023 ~ Courtesy of Disney/Pixar