Elemental Review: Pixar Back In Its Element

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Elemental may not achieve the same heights as some of Pixar’s celebrated masterpieces, but it unquestionably captivates viewers with its enthralling narrative and visually breathtaking world. Directed by the multi-talented Peter Sohn, an animator, voice actor, storyboard artist, and filmmaker, the film showcases Sohn’s exceptional expertise and boundless creativity. Sohn’s previous works include directing the short film Partly Cloudy and the feature film The Good Dinosaur for Pixar Animation Studios.

Inspired by Sohn’s upbringing as the child of immigrants in 1970s New York City, Elemental beautifully depicts the city’s rich cultural and ethnic diversity. The film’s setting and characters feel authentic, thanks to Sohn’s involvement as a consultant. His personal connection to the material shines through, infusing the narrative with depth and emotional resonance.

What is the plot of Elemental?

Credit: Pixar

What happens in the film?

The film delves into the contrasting lives of the water people and fire folk, shedding light on social privilege and the challenges marginalized communities face. The visually stunning backdrop of sleek high-rises and grand canals designed for the water people creates a captivating atmosphere.

Meanwhile, the tight-knit community of fire folk represents a fusion of East Asian, Middle Eastern, and European traditions. Including various accents representing immigrant communities adds richness and authenticity to the characters’ identities. However, it is worth noting that some viewers may find the film’s portrayal of fire as representative of all immigrants and water as representative of the white upper class problematic.

How is The Film?

Credit: Pixar

Is Pixar back to its best with Elemental?

While Elemental introduces intriguing elements like earth and air characters, it only scratches the surface of their potential within the narrative. The film provides glimpses of the earth people with daisies sprouting from their armpits and cloud puffs playing “airball” in Cyclone Stadium, but it fails to fully explore the chemistry between the different elements in the inner city. This missed opportunity leaves audiences yearning for a more comprehensive exploration of this fascinating concept.

Elemental skillfully weaves together humour, sweetness, and moments of poignancy, creating a well-balanced emotional journey for viewers. The love story unfolds naturally, avoiding any sense of contrivance or forced sentimentality.

However, one area that could have been improved is the exploration of the handling of fire around others and the inherent danger it poses. If further developed, this aspect could have heightened the film’s impact and added a layer of tension and urgency. Nevertheless, despite this minor flaw, Elemental remains a remarkable film that will undoubtedly delight fans of Pixar’s previous works.

Elemental looks amazing

One of the film’s standout features is its visually striking presentation. The computer-generated inhabitants and modernist structures combine to construct a visually appealing world that immediately captures the audience’s attention. However, while the visuals are stunning, there is a sense that the environment feels more like a collection of concept art rather than a fully fleshed-out and explored world.

Viewers are left with a tantalizing feeling that there is much more to uncover and develop within Element City and its intricacies. This leaves them craving a deeper understanding of the world’s dynamics and possibilities, eager to immerse themselves further in its richness.

Final Thoughts on Pixar’s Elemental

Credit: Pixar

Despite its shortcomings, Elemental manages to captivate audiences with its visually stunning world and the personal touch of director Peter Sohn. While it may not reach the pinnacle of Pixar’s most acclaimed masterpieces, it remains an enjoyable and thought-provoking film that sparks the imagination. With further exploration and development, Elemental could evolve into an even more unforgettable cinematic experience, leaving an indelible mark on viewers’ minds and hearts.

What do you make of this review? Have you watched Elemental? If so, what did you make of the latest Pixar movie? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.

You can stream Elemental on Disney Plus right now.

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