Elemental (2023) User Reviews

Too familiar, but a story well-told.

[benjaminskylerhill · 6/10 · 16 June 2023]

Elemental has several obvious glaring problems. For one thing, the attempt to make the elements' differences an overt metaphor for race/culture is shallow and misplaced at best most of the time.

The story's themes and plot itself are about as worn-out and tired as the art of the story itself. Not a single new idea is really explored at this level.

And, at the more surface level, the film's visuals vary greatly in quality: the environments are gorgeous, colorful, and vibrant, while the character designs appear haphazard, thrown together, and honestly kind of ugly.

But where this film shines-and I mean REALLY shines, surprisingly-is in the writing of its characters.

Ember and Wade are instantly distinct, understood, and likeable. They both grow tremendously and at a consistent pace. They are 110% the reason to see this film. I got emotionally wrapped up in their lives and desires in a way that I've only felt in Pixar's best films. This is the sole great achievement of Elemental.

The one other thing I can praise is the sound design and the musical score-both of which are largely powerful and memorable.

Maybe it's that my expectations were on the floor going into this, but I'd be lying if I said I didn't enjoy it. Maybe wait to catch it on streaming, but don't write it off completely.

Elemental does lend itself to comparisons with Inside Out and Zootopia, but as a smaller scale film it has solid heart in spite of some rough spots.

[IonicBreezeMachine · 7/10 · 20 June 2023]

In a world where beings of fire, water, air, and earth exist, Ember Lumen (Leah Lewis) is a first generation fire elemental and daughter of immigrants Bernie and Cinder (Ronnie del Carmen and Shila Ommi respectively) who emigrated to Element City facing prejudice and systemic segregation to start a bodega, called The Fireplace, that is the unofficial hub of Firetown which Bernie hopes Ember will someday inherit. Ember routinely struggles to keep her temper with customers and during one such episode inadvertently damages an old water pipe which pulls in city inspector Wade Ripple (Mamoudou Athie) from the other side of town and must reluctantly issue several citations on the bodega. After learning of Ember's struggles with trying to takeover The Fireplace from her ailing father, Wade feeling guilty over it tries to help Ember save The Fireplace as well as find out why there is water still running through Firetown when it shouldn't and eventually a romance blooms in spite of the historic incompatibility with fire and water.

Elemental is the latest film from Pixar and comes to us from director Peter Sohn who based the initial idea off his immigrant parents and based the underlying concept around the relationship between fire and water. The film was primarily based off of the structure of romantic comedies and dramas such as Guess Who's Coming to Dinner?, My Big Fat Greek Wedding, and The Big Sick while also building those ideas around the core elemental one. In terms of execution Elemental does have some of the same issues of Sohn's The Good Dinosaur, but it is a nice light romance with a solid presentation of its core themes.

I'll start off by saying the opening scenes where we establish Element City and the characters of Bernie and Cinder are really good as we see them rejected by several prospective renters as despite Element City's history of welcoming immigrants as per the murals on the harbor, the fire elementals being the newest entrants to society are very much treated with hostility and prejudice. This sequence continues onward with the Lumen's eventually buying a neglected building an refurbishing it as their bodega and overtime it becoming the central point of Firetown. The animation used to bring the elementals and their world to life is nicely done as there's a lot of great details in the textures and movements of the characters with the distortions of water and the movement of fire and while on occasion the world building can seem a little spotty and doesn't feel as fully realized as Zootopia's, it does a good job of addressing systemic racism in communities. Leah Lewis and Mamoudou Athie are both really solid as Ember and Wade and their interactions with each other are complemented with some cute moments and amusing exchanges. I also rather liked the relationship with Ember and her father Bernie played by Ronnie del Carmen that while sweet does a good job of setting up the wedge issue.

While I think Elemental has good pieces in place, I did feel like some parts of the film felt underdeveloped especially in regards to a leak in Firetown responsible for the water seeping in that doesn't feel all that interesting and I felt like from a world building perspective it opened up some questions that the movie didn't really address. While Elemental has no villain in it, this is the kind of plot point that feels like it could've used a villain be it an unscrupulous developer or a construction firm rigging bids to add that little extra "something" that's missing from this plot point because it's a pretty big one and its not all that fleshed out.

I liked Elemental for the things that did genuinely work even if it stands in the shadows of others who've covered similar material. I think this is a much better project from Peter Sohn in comparison to The Good Dinosaur even if like that film there are still some flubs in the presentation of the central idea even if not to the extent The Good Dinosaur had them. But contrary to what people have said, this is not one of Pixar's worst movies especially when you consider the Cars trilogy and Lightyear exist.

Overall, I really did enjoy it.

[subxerogravity · 7/10 · 19 June 2023]

Visually the animation was really good. Literally Elemental was brilliant to watch. Also, have to admit that I was not expecting much from a movie about fire and water falling in love. Disney has always made movies for children in which they teach them to do whatever their heart desire through the story of a creature or an object that really should not or can't change it spots. Now they've picked the elements.

Elemental has more in-depth story about Immigrants I was not expecting in a Disney/Pixar movie. It was not hidden at all. Neither was the romance between fire and Ice which I was very different for these movies.

It was so different from what I expected, and it was refreshing.

We liked it. Our kid loved it

[warrenfpascoe · 7/10 · 17 September 2023]

People are reading wayyyy too much into this movie. It's an animated movie so chill. I never even saw a trailer for this movie before watching so I had no clue what it was about. Pretty standard kids movie with fun quirky characters. Every one reminded me of some one I know. I wasn't really into the first half of the movie but the second half really picks up. The visual effects team crushed it on this one. I mean they really made it look cool. I think people are going a little hard on Pixar right now. It's really not easy making a movie this social climate so hats off for even trying. We thought it was good and my daughter loved it.

"Shasharisha!"

[daisukereds · 6/10 · 14 August 2023]

While very simplistic and predictable at all points, it is rather "cute".

It handles its emotional core very well, with the characterizations and voice-acting being the best part (as well as the excellent vibrant worldbuilding).. but the content is so sparse it makes the pacing feel sluggish and the film a tad long. As a romance, it's okay and delivers on its premise! The other layers, like the "looming threat", are a second-thought and a mark that needed to be checked.

As a Pixar movie and after 7 years of development? I'm not sure.. I guess I expected more from the narrative. Had this been done by a smaller and newer studio, I can imagine only praises. Maybe just say the smaller division did it!

Sadly, this is a perfect movie for streaming.

That's The Way Of The World

[southdavid · 7/10 · 27 September 2023]

I meant to see this at the cinema at some point, but as it's now landed on Disney plus it seemed to make more sense to sit down with my son and watch it here. Whilst I don't think either of us would count it as our favourite Pixar movie, we both enjoyed it enough.

Element City is a melting pot city for its inhabitants, who are divided into one of four groups based on what element they are; Fire, Earth, Water or Wind. Ember (Leah Lewis) is a second-generation fire element who has been long destined to take over the family store, though her explosive temper has gotten in the way. She meets Wade (Mamodou Athie) a water element business inspector, who is investigating leakages and the pair bond, despite her parent's mistrust of water elements. The pair continue to grow close, whilst investigating the leaks together and Ember starts to question what she wants in life.

Whilst Pixar have certainly had films with elements for grown ups before, this is perhaps their most 'grown up' film to date. By that I mean it's a pretty straightforward romance story. The leak storyline provides the film with a reason for them to stick together, as well as featuring in the conclusion, but it's not "the plot" - we never feel like we're going on a quest, as with "Onward" or even "Coco". It's almost entirely about whether or not Ember and Wade can make it work. Within that, you have a story about immigration about whether sticking to one's own kind, and own traditions are better than amalgamating to something new, or not. And within that, a story about the pressures of second-generation immigrants and the pressures of living up to the sacrifice that your parents made.

I think I feel opposite to most critics on this, as where it didn't particularly work for me was visually. I thought that whilst the geography and architecture was OK, the actual character models themselves didn't really work.

Comparing Pixar films to other Pixar films isn't, in retrospect, particularly fair - particularly if, like this film, they're going to make a film that's in a different genre to the adventures that they usually provide. I can't imagine I'll choose to watch "Elemental" again, but I was entertained enough and I'm glad it exists.

An animation high for 2023!

[exceladeogun · 9/10 · 16 August 2023]

Elemental

This tells the story of a water element and fire element falling in love; Elemental is a fresh spin on the opposites attract love story.

Themes of racial prejudice, systemic segregation, immigration and parental expectations are explored.

The biggest praise Elemental has is its leads. They're very distinct (not that surprising, seeing as they are different elements), and memorable; their love story is also told brilliantly. The relationship between the female lead and her father is also poignant, and drives the story and the decisions she takes, which ultimately provides a brilliant story arc for her character.

The animation of Elemental is rich and vibrant. The score is also great.

Elemental is sweet, funny and heartfelt (it drew a tear from me).

8.5-9/10.

Pixar has lost its magic

[karim530 · 6/10 · 16 June 2023]

I don't know where to start with this movie. I expected more from this movie but I was let down. Don't get me wrong, the sweet elements were there especially from the God Father story in the beginning but then it becomes a classic cookie cutter Rom-Com movie with nothing new. Even my eight year old got bored from the first half. The story does improves by the second half but again, I feel PIXAR has lost its magic. I feel that PIXAR is more now about quantity versus quality story telling. The movie had too much visual but lacked to hit home with the story. By the end, my daughter and I were glad the movie was over.

i love it! a good pixar movie

[zoyey · 8/10 · 20 June 2023]

I've just watched it on a rainy night but it really entertained me even with my wet shoes! No matter what other media say, it has the familiar feeling pixar brought to me when i was a child, the kind of creativity, story-telling, and fabulous portray of an elemental city. Some may deem the plot as cliche and soup with draped with immigrant issue, but i think that make sense in a way director sohn want to tell and discuss in his movie. The most important, the reason i choose a pixar product is never want to be teached something at a cozy night, it's unfair to judge an animation for all-ages out of its depth, meaning and all, just enjoy it!

From that point, i think this movie has made it.

We expect better than just OK from Pixar

[Lomax343 · 6/10 · 20 June 2023]

Perhaps they're a victim of their own success, but audiences have come to expect the extraordinary from Pixar. This time they fail to deliver.

Elemental is not a bad film, unless it's compared with the string of masterpieces Pixar has produced in the past. This is tired and tiring by-the-numbers stuff. The animation is admittedly superb, and there are a few good jokes (thought-bubble probably being the best) but the plot (another lame re-hash of Romeo and Juliet) is painfully predictable; and it's hard to warm to any of the characters (that wasn't a pun, even if some of the character are made out of fire).

For the first time in ages, the main film is accompanied by a short - featuring Carl and Doug from Up. It was more fun than Elemental.

Romantic

[talking_about_movies · 8/10 · 16 September 2023]

This is the Pixar I know. I knew what kind of a story Elemental was going to be. From the IMDb plot and the reviews, I knew the cliches it would have and the route it will take. But this movie still really touched me.

I was really surprised by how well they executed the romance. And I'm surprised by the fact that Pixar made just a love story. I knew there was going to be romance in this but I thought, like most pixar movies, the main theme of this movie would be something else and the romance would progress on the sidelines. But no, the romance takes center stage in this film.

The main character, Ember, was very well written. She was likeable, relatable, and we as viewers experienced the entire story through her perspective. In comparison to Ember though, the side characters aren't as well explored as she is and that's the aspect of the movie that could've been a bit better.

But the romance is very good, honestly. It doesn't fit at first and feels a bit forced initially. That's why the 1st act of the movie isn't really as engaging. But the romance is paced perfectly. Because when these 2 characters started understanding more and more about each other, I started to really root for them and that's when this movie started to get really good. Amd the conclusion of the movie is very satisfying because of how well the romance is executed. The soundtrack too was very catchy and it worked perfectly with some specific moments of the film.

The theme though is cliche and it could have been done better. And the character of wade too could have been explored a bit more.

But in the end, I had a really nice time with this movie. You know, when a character is crying, and you just can't help but feel like crying yourself, that's when you know the movie has done its job.

Pixar had lost its way lately, but this film might get them back on track. This was a very sweet and wonderfully executed romance.

some fundamental issues but great overall

[SnoopyStyle · 7/10 · 30 August 2023]

This world consists of Elements, the different races of nature. Element City has been allowing immigration of each elemental races over the years. The newest immigrant wave is the Fire Element. Bernie and Cinder Lumen are new to the city. They find the city ill-fitting to them or downright hostile. They get damaged by the Water Elements. They burn wood which only raises the ire of the Earth Elements. The Air Elements look down on them. Finally, they find a home in an abandoned house and start a store called The Fireplace. The Fire neighborhood grow out around them and they have a girl named Ember. Ember grows up and Bernie allows her to run The Fireplace for the day. It's going badly and it gets worst when Water Element city inspector Wade Ripple shows up.

This is the standard immigrant story. It is so elemental that it hits you over the head with it. I wouldn't mind that but it leaves this world a little problematic. I just don't know why or how the Fire Element could coexist with the other Elements. It's a weird construction. I guess that's the point. This world is not built for them and yet they thrive somehow. Instead of creating something new, it's trying too hard to be a version of a human city. There are ways to make this more logically and compelling. In the end, one has to take this world as a given. I do really like the design of the Fire Elements. This is not top tier Pixar, but it looks really good and the story works well as long as one does not dissect this world apart.

Lacks that old magic.

[truthisuncouth · 3/10 · 17 June 2023]

This is a worn out story of recycled material that will bore children. The characters are one dimensional. The scenes are tepid and unexciting. The use of elements to convey human emotion is a nice idea but the execution is not good. The animation was okay but not unique. Certainly nothing to go out of your way for. The depth of the character development seems shallow. The musical score is middling. The editing is choppy. The sound mixing is fair. The scene to scene progression is awkward and the run time is longer than one might expect from the material in the movie. My overall impression is that it can be missed.

This movie is quite frankly, Eh

[annathedehn · 6/10 · 16 June 2023]

Elemental is a movie that just doesn't stick out. Pixar made this one a unoriginal story of opposites attacting and families and community not wanting them together. Not much was stuff hadn't seen before. One of the things that did stick out to me was the animation. Nothing mind boggling but it is one of recent Pixar's best work visual wise. I loved how vivid everything was and the elements driving movements. This movie also made laugh multiple times, which for me is pretty good. Some of those laughs however might have just been cope with the cringe, which this movie has a lot of. Some of the movements that characters make in this movie made my face sickle up. This movie entertained me for a bit, just barely though. You could watch better things in your time but if you really want then this movie would be enough to fill a boring night.

Less Magical But Pixar Still, Can Do No Wrong

[jaysanchu07 · 7/10 · 26 June 2023]

Elemental once again showcases the remarkable and dazzling visual touch, Pixar films are known for. As always, the studios meticulous attention to detail and praise worthy, imagination-driven animation stands front and center, in crafting a realistic world that audiences can get lost in. From the stellar personification of the elements, to the cleverly thought of and complementing Elemental City, the overall design is simply jaw dropping and convincing, consistent with the studios past offerings.

Story-wise however, is where the film stagnates. Not to be mistaken, the immigrant centered, coming of age, breaking through barriers storyline does have its shining moments, but treads along the lines of overly familiar. The screenplay stumbles as well at times, producing blank faced reactions to some of its heavy handed scenes such as Embers family centered conflict. As for the romance, Pixar redeems itself, for fashioning an opposites attract love story, made charming by its fascinating character quirks and animation. Somehow, someway, this felt fresh.

Overall, I found no surprise in critics underwhelmed responses to Elemental. It is however undeniable, that the film does enough, and if comparisons to Pixars early works can be avoided (a BIG if), deeper appreciation for Ember and Wades world is definitely in the horizon. It is 2023 and happily, Pixar has yet to produce a bad film.

10/10

[tabithawhitehair · 27 December 2023]

HOT TAKE: Elemental is amazing. Yes, pun intended but I'm so serious here, folks; this was very done and I urge you to give it a fair shot. Elemental is a modern yet fantastical odyssey of romance and self-realization clashing with the weight of ethnic and generational expectations. A colorful and cultural onslaught of imagination, relatability and sentiment, tailored by two endearing leads with irresistible chemistry.

I'm usually not one for romcoms but if the leads are engaging enough, then I'm sold. Ember and Wade - voiced by fresh talent Leah Lewis and Mamoudou Athie, respectively - share a captivating journey together, one that isn't just focused on love but puts their humanity in a binding spotlight. Their relationship flows oh-so naturally and is 10x more enchanting than any prince and princess story. You know that scene from WALL-E where the robots dance outside the spaceship? Almost the entirety of Elemental follows that one gorgeous sequence's beat and it's utterly charming.

The animation is quite stunning to behold; fluid, expressive and diverse. I can tell Pixar had so much fun with it while pushing the envelope; such a delight to watch. The world drips with inventiveness and attention to detail; I wouldn't pass on living in Element City. I can't leave out Thomas Newman's music, too. This is the composer's fourth collaboration with Pixar (the first since Finding Dory) and his score doesn't disappoint; lovely, often hypnotizing, and always hits the right notes.

Elemental is one of the most soulful and compassionate pictures to come out of Pixar in recent years and it's getting such a bum rap for no good reason. Look, it may seem familiar on the surface but - as expected from the studio that pioneered the art form and tells personal stories - Elemental is built from real relationships and social conflicts and has moving answers to questions on affection, immigration, pressure, sacrifice, and free will. Prepare for some sniffles and tears. I felt the love that was put into it every second and that standing ovation at Cannes was well-earned.

Congrats, Peter Sohn. Thanks for telling your story.

Creative with a romantic cultural themed story

[cruise01 · 8/10 · 27 December 2023]

4 out of 5 stars.

Elemental is a good romantic comedy family pixar film that is fun and creative with having a world built with characters that are elements. Certain elements clash with each other and has a story about how two elements Wade and Ember who are fire and water. Ember is from a family immigrant whos father wants her to follow under his footstep on owning the family shop. Wade is a water inspector who fails her shop which Ember tries to convince him to let it go. The opposites attract. They become close and she also realizes that there is more in the world about following her dreams.

It is fun. Great visuals and animation. The plot is good. The film may not have any memorable characters and humor. It is still a good worthy pixar film that has a story and visuals thats worth checking out.

Probably not meant for kids

[kateringbeltran · 6/10 · 2 July 2023]

I thought the movie was slightly better than okay. The plot and love story was a little "been there done that" but I think the message of the movie was beautiful. It's biggest fault is that the writers didn't know it's audience though. This was clearly for an older audience that come from immigrant parents. Not everyone can relate to that and for those that don't, it can come off as preachy. The animation was lovely. The character of Wade is so adorable, you can't help but fall in love with him. Overall, the movie struck a cord with me and made me cry on a few occasions which isn't that easy to do.

I sorta understand the hate but it's a lot better than Buzzlightyear!

[UniqueParticle · 8/10 · 25 June 2023]

I loved the colors so much, the charm, and great feel good vibes! Sure a lot goes wrong a lot like Buzzlightyear but it's way more satisfying and has lovely romance. To me it's one of the best kids movies I've seen this year besides Into the Spider-verse. I was a bit nauseas in the last half and been tired all day and still loved this a lot especially with the wonderful music makes everything so sweet. I'm not fully sure why people bashed this besides the amount that goes wrong it's well acted and wholesome with great diversity mashed in perfectly throughout. I was even late to getting a ticket and a sweet family let me have the spot the they had so the mom could sit with her kids, always magnificent when most the audience claps afterwards too.

Massive potential squandered behind typical rebellion story

[Airman87 · 6/10 · 15 June 2023]

Elemental never really stretches beyond the straightforwardness and banality of its love story - that in a melting pot where desires to maintain our individual ancestral identity paramount all, boundaries and traditions were meant for breaking. In the typical overdone relationship dynamic, Ember plays the more rebellious individual while Wade is the more averse, introverted individual. The magic of Elemental lays in the fictitious world it has created for itself. The canvas painted by the animators is nothing short of some of Pixar's best work, steeped in rich visuals, textures, and blithesome neighborhoods. There is lots of curiosity-peaking interest in this universe worth exploring, unfortunately the film and story just never decides to fully take its viewers there...

The old magic of Pixar returns

[tarekali-19909 · 9/10 · 11 September 2023]

The old magic of Pixar returns in this family delight, and I am sad this was not a bigger hit. At the heart of this amazing movie is a timeless love story, of two elementally different individuals seeing the light shining in each other and coming together against all odds. My family and I were swept away by the simple sweetness of this film. Director Peter Sohn has done well.

There is also a beautiful father-daughter story interwoven into this film, and as the father of 4 princesses, I can definitely relate. The timeless lesson of letting your kids follow their dreams is retold in a beautiful way, and even more so, the critical importance of parent and child respecting each other.

The animation is spectacular, I love how the various elements are represented, and how they interact with each other in various moments. The character design is spot on, and the closer you look the more details emerge. Hats off to how far Pixar animation has come. For some time I thought a 5th unifying element would emerge but that was wishful thinking.

Finally, the soundtrack is a real delight, I truly appreciate the South Asian themes as my region of origin. Master composer Thomas Newman took a bold risk weaving in those elements, and it paid off.

I have not enjoyed a Pixar movie this much since Coco; they need to stay true to such heartwarming story-telling and inspiring imagination.

Pixar is no longer shining bright like the little lamp it was

[rxfzjxi · 6/10 · 11 September 2023]

I wasn't expecting soul / zootopia level of deep storytelling and funny moments, however I didn't expect the migrants teenager girl love story / cinderella knockoff either.

I didn't mark this one as 'spoiler' cos there's really not a story to spoil anyways, if it was a live action movie I'd give it a 5 star but since it's well animated (the water effect was REALISTIC!) I gave it one extra star for the visual. I'm pretty sure it'll be nominated for best visuals in the next academy awards.

However the story, the story! It was hollow, plain, boring, and familiar. Your typical rich white guy with teenage migrant girl from the mideast (yeah you can totally tell the fire elemental was from the mideast - well makes a lot of sense ini't?).

Good family movie if you have young kids and don't feel like using your brain much.

A story you've seen a thousand times before but not with elements

[suzasailor · 4/10 · 20 June 2023]

What can I say about Elemental that will do it justice? It never really takes off. It's a familiar tale with a new setting and two dimensional characters.

Pros- visually this puppy is stunning, the world is inspiring but familiar. The sound design is well done.

Cons- the voice acting is very all over the place, some ok performances, but many just don't fit. The pacing is not very good either. The characters are too one note or two note.

Overall this is kind of a bland movie going experience. It's an immigration tale of foreigners making it in a new city and dealing with the prejudices of being different, very Zootopia, but unlike that very charming tale, this movie just drags and the characters are very bland. The fire dad might be the most intriguing character but by far the biggest offender is Wade Ripple, the water boy, they just shove him on you and try very hard to make you like him and the chemistry between Ember and him is so contrived. Also there is no really good side characters for them to play off of. Kind of a waste in my opinion.

It's a film that's pretty forgettable in the end. 4/10.

Typical Pixar filled with striking images and humanity.

[JohnDeSando · 18 June 2023]

Shakespeare needn't worry that Pixar's Elemental will replace Romeo and Juliet as the #1 love story of all time. However, this colorful animation has a right to be considered one of its kind in its thematic emphasis on opposites attracting and our seeking our own way rather than fulfilling someone else's dreams. Perhaps more of a dominant theme is the immigrant experience that shows the challenges of assimilation. Director Peter Sohn speaks of his Korean parents' experience as the inspiration.

The linchpin of this typical Pixar piece is a world where the elements of earth, air, fire, and water peacefully co-exist if, for instance, the last two don't mix. When water denizen Wade Ripple (voice of Mamoudou Athie) falls for fire Ember (Leah Lewis), and she eventually succumbs, the incompatible worlds collide. The multiple metaphors and ingenious twists for each element, e.g., fire family business is called "the Firehouse," are a tribute to the imagination of Sohn and his creative crew.

The subtheme of parents' expectations is almost as strong as the love theme. Ember's dad expects her to take over his shop while she is reluctant to say she doesn't want to. Her budding romance almost busts because of this conflict. Elements does a credible job of showing how difficult it is for loving children not to fulfill the dreams of doting parents. What is not lost is the need for us to govern our own futures and not cave to the demands of others.

Unlike other current movie dramas, especially animations like Spider-Man, Elements moves in a linear war with a plot that makes sense, even if it is predictable. Smaller children at my screening were restless, leading me to question if they should be 10 and beyond to appreciate the several themes; less than ten for a while will be distracted by the intricate city and explosive color.

In the end it is still Pixar, a gifted Disney enterprise that never forgets it's all about the people.