Pure Chemistry!!!! Pixar Delivers Big In Heartfelt Romantic Comedy !!!!

Review By Brandon Porter

Stop me if you've heard this before: So a girl meets this guy.

Story Description

In the bustling metropolis of Element City, citizens go about their daily lives sticking to the straight and narrow path that is before them. Ember (Leah Lewis) helps run her father’s diner in preparation for when she takes on the family business. Though she is happy to help add to the family legacy, she has always wondered what else is out there for her. Her world soon changes when she meets Wade (Mamoudou Athie), a shy and good-hearted guy from the water side of Element City. Dispute the rule of elements not mixing, Ember strikes up a friendship with Wade and opens up her eyes to the possibilities she never saw before. Together, they will discover that despite being from 2 worlds, there is more to each of them than what was initially perceived.

Ember and Wade experience Element City in a whole
new way.

Film Review

From director Peter Sohn, Disney and Pixar takes audiences to a unique world filled with so much vibrancy both visually and narratively. Serving as a romantic comedy ripe with heart, soul, and chemistry, Elemental aims to be the feel-good adventure of the summer. After traveling through element city with both Ember and Wade, Elemental reminded me why Pixar is one of the most treasured animation studios working today. For reasons unknown, a stigma against the studio has emerged with many people worried that they are losing their touch. Despite what has been said, Elemental shows that Pixar is still a consistent source of quality storytelling, visual artistry, and heartfelt emotional valor. Like all Pixar films, the look of the film is an essential element. What makes Pixar so great is their incredible ability to immerse you in the worlds they create making them feel real. Whether it's the Land of The Dead in Coco or Andy's backyard in Toy Story, Pixar makes it their mission to get you effectively visually invested. Elemental is no different. From the opening scene, the film presents a world brimming with vibrancy and a distinct visual language. Sure it makes for some great visual gags, but the imagination on display on screen made me happy and reminded me why Pixar is great at what they do. The film's visuals also are effectively used to tell its story at the highest level. This brings me to our two leads (be aware, some element puns might be on the horizon). Leah Lewis and Mamoudou Athie are such a joy to watch as Ember and Wade respectively. Lewis delivers an incredible performance as Ember as she gives the character such nuance and personality throughout. You emphasize with her and truly see through her fiery exterior to reveal someone afraid of vulnerability and connection. Athie is irresistibly lovable as Wade. He unbashfully wears his heart on his sleeve and is unafraid of showcasing how he feels. This makes for some of the film's most earnest and hilarious moments. He is the perfect counterbalance to Ember's closed-off and at times hostile attitude.

Wade in the water (Ba Dum Tss)

Over the course of the story, the connection between the two of them transforms them both making the romance "element" a strong point of the film. These two actors bring such humanity to their characters making them feel so real in this fictional world. With that in mind, Elemental does well in telling an engaging human story in a non-human setting. Loosely based on Peter Sohn's own family history, Elemental uses its visual language to have an authentic conversation about the power of connection and the struggles we face sacrificing for the generation before. The concept of "elements not mixing" shouldn't be subtle to anyone who has had to deal with racial discrimination in their lifetime especially moving from one country to the next. Being looked at as a threat when all you are trying to do is live your life. This shouldn't be surprising to anyone who has seen Zootopia for it tackled very similar thematic elements. Elemental follows that same formula but in its own unique way. Connection without fear and the courage to go after your dreams are key to the DNA of Elemental and make this film such a joy to watch. Overall, Elemental is definitely one of the most heartfelt and earnest films I have seen this year. It's overflowing with such heart and an irresistible sense of uplifting joy. Of all of the Pixar projects to release in the 2020s, this one ranks as one of the best. In what has already been a plentiful yet crowded year for animation, it's great to see that this animated romantic comedy has the right mix of everything that makes Pixar one of a kind.

Rating and Final Thoughts