Elemental Is Pixar's First Return

Elemental is Pixar's first original movie to be shown in the big screen even since the start of pandemic.

Pixar is making a significant return to the big screen with its new animated feature, Elemental, set to be released next Friday. This marks the studio's first wholly original production since the onset of the pandemic. The film is an allegorical tale set in the mythical Element City, a world where fire, water, earth, and air entities must find a way to coexist despite their inherent differences as per Hollywood Reporter.

The narrative orbits around Ember, the fiery offspring of a diligent immigrant, and Wade, the laid-back son of a prosperous water family. Their relationship is a provocative exploration of their city's creed, "elements don't mix," serving as a metaphor for societal racism and prejudice.

Ember is voiced by Leah Lewis, who likens the perilous romance between Ember and Wade to Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet. As she explains, the film delves into topics such as family loyalty, cultural identity, and the experience of first love. Like Lewis, several other contributors to the film share personal immigrant stories, adding another layer of authenticity to the narrative. Mamoudou Athie, who lends his voice to Wade, is originally from Mauritania and became a U.S. citizen just over a year ago. Ronnie del Carmen, the voice of Ember's father Bernie, emigrated from the Philippines.

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The film's themes of immigration and unity come at a time when these issues are hotly debated in the political sphere. Many cast members emphasized the relevance and timeliness of the film's message, highlighting the need for understanding and empathy in today's world.

Elemental also represents a crucial juncture for Pixar, a Disney subsidiary since 2006. The studio, known for blockbuster hits like Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and Up, has had a few challenging years. Its last original film, Onward, was released just as the pandemic forced cinemas to close, and subsequent films were relegated to the Disney+ streaming platform. The Toy Story spin-off Lightyear returned to cinemas last summer but did not fare well, resulting in job cuts at Pixar.

For director Peter Sohn, Elemental is more than just a film; it's a deeply personal narrative about immigrant sacrifice. Sohn, the son of Korean immigrants, got the idea for Elemental after thanking his parents for their sacrifices during a talk in his native Bronx. This movie embodies his gratitude for his parents' journey and the sacrifices they made for their family. The director shared...

"The guiding light that got me through all of this was just this idea of appreciating the people in our lives that sacrificed something and risked."

In summary, Elemental is a daring new venture for Pixar, bringing an immigrant fable to life in a unique elemental world. It encapsulates themes of unity, acceptance, and the immigrant experience, reflecting not only the personal journeys of its creators but also the global conversation around these issues. Amidst a challenging backdrop for the studio, Elemental represents Pixar's steadfast commitment to compelling storytelling and innovative animation.

Elemental will premiere in theaters on July 16.

Ali Valle is a freelance entertainment and lifestyle writer. When not writing, you may find her at rock music gigs or probably traveling to cities across the world.