I watched Elemental and I liked it. 3/5
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Disney’s 2023 animated feature, Elemental, aims to ignite romance between Ember, a fiery creature of the city, and Wade, a watery being from the suburbs. While the film boasts dazzling animation and a unique world-built upon the periodic table, it struggles to maintain its heat, eventually sputtering out with a predictable plot and underdeveloped themes.
Elemental’s animation is nothing short of breathtaking. Director Peter Sohn breathes life into the film’s world, where fire and water not only exist but form bustling societies with distinct textures, movements, and architecture. Ember’s fiery glow illuminates the screen, while Wade’s fluid grace captivates in every ripple and splash. The film’s color palette bursts with vibrancy, creating a visually distinct and captivating world.
The central romance between Ember and Wade, voiced by Leah Lewis and Mamoudou Athie respectively, starts promisingly. Their contrasting personalities – Ember’s passionate zeal versus Wade’s calm serenity – initially fuel a playful dynamic. Their attraction transcends their elemental limitations, sparking a yearning for understanding and connection. However, the film ultimately fails to develop their relationship beyond surface-level charm. The emotional stakes remain lukewarm, never boiling over into passionate connection or heart-wrenching conflict.
Unfortunately, Elemental’s narrative plays out like a familiar fairytale, complete with a forbidden romance, societal disapproval, and a predictable villain seeking to exploit elemental differences. The film dangles intriguing concepts like societal conflict and environmentalism, but never fully explores them. The conflict remains simplistic, resolved through clichéd solutions rather than nuanced exploration of prejudice and coexistence.
The film aims to tackle themes of prejudice and acceptance, highlighting the tensions between fire and water. However, these themes remain underdeveloped, merely glossed over in the face of the simplistic plot. The film’s potential to address nuanced societal issues through its unique element-based society is unfortunately wasted.
The film attempts to inject humor through slapstick gags and witty banter. While some exchanges between Ember and Wade land well, the humor often falls flat, relying on predictable jokes and physical comedy that feels out of place within the film’s visually sophisticated world.
Despite its shortcomings, Elemental holds a spark of potential. The film’s stunning animation and initial glimpse into its intricate elemental society offer a glimpse of what could have been. Had the film delved deeper into its themes, developed its characters, and embraced a more complex narrative, it could have ignited into a truly exceptional animated experience.
Elemental is a visually stunning film with a charming central duo. However, its predictable plot, underdeveloped themes, and reliance on tired tropes hold it back from reaching its full potential. While the film provides a pleasant escape, it ultimately fails to ignite a lasting spark, leaving viewers wanting more heat and emotional depth.