In a world where elements don’t mix, learning to coexist for two young fire and water elements is a challenge. This film shows the weight of the generational cycle and working hard to please one’s family, along with the lengths one will go to to protect the work and hardships experienced together.

Elemental follows the story of Ember’s (voiced by Leah Lewis) journey to independence and responsibility as she tries to make her family proud. Through this, she meets challenges which she overcomes with her friend Wade (voiced by Mamoudou Athie) who is water, as Ember struggles to navigate the city which is made for water people as a fire element she realizes why how hard it has been for her parents living in the area for so long.

The film was predictable and a little dry but overall had a message that shined through towards the end of the film. It shows how you can adapt even if something is not made for you. This is
shown many times throughout the film, this is shown when Ember navigates her way around the city of elements, the creators did a very nice job making that a known theme.

Like many children’s movies, all that happened felt familiar, like it had already happened or had been done before, it feels similar to the idea of the Disney movie Inside Out. Disney used the concept of elements to relate to people in different ways, when in the minority of people or when something is not built with them in mind, which feels as though it is an overused concept, that lacks the new feeling you want when watching a new film.

This film had a wide variety of emotions and did a nice job of not becoming cheesy when showing emotions in the characters. There is sadness, love, friendship, respect, and family which helps the plot move along with the rest of the film.

The animation style was also similar to the style in Inside Out but overall was enjoyable, the voice acting was astonishing and very supportive of the movie’s content. Especially the voice actor of Wade who is played by Mamoudou Athie, the way emotions are shown through his voice is impressive and it is felt by viewers the emotions the character is feeling.

Film viewers who are looking for a good family-friendly film, that is perfect for a family watch, if the viewer can get past the overused concept and predictability this film is for them. Overall the film has a good message and works on telling a story about love and happiness.

Rating: ★★