Elemental

Elemental is a 2023 animated film from Pixar Animation Studios that combines elements of romance, comedy, and drama. Directed by Peter Sohn and produced by Denise Ream, the film features the voices of Leah Lewis, Mamoudou Athie, Ronnie del Carmen, Shila Ommi, Wendi McLendon-Covey, and Catherine O'Hara.

The story is set in Element City, a vibrant place inhabited by anthropomorphic elements of nature. It follows the journey of Ember Lumen, a fiery character, and Wade Ripple, a water element, as they navigate their differences and their budding romance. Their adventure unfolds as they work together to save Ember's family's convenience store, adding layers of depth to their relationship.

Production of Elemental began when Peter Sohn proposed the idea to Pixar, exploring the connection between fire and water. The film draws from Sohn's upbringing as the son of Korean immigrants in 1970s New York, highlighting themes of cultural diversity and inclusion. The visual design of the film was inspired by cities like Venice and Amsterdam, enriched by extensive research conducted by the animation team.

After premiering on May 27, 2023, at the Cannes Film Festival, the film was released in the United States on June 16, 2023. Its theatrical journey began modestly, but word of mouth contributed to its eventual success, with a global box office total of $496.4 million, making it a sleeper hit.

The film has been nominated for several awards, including the Academy Award for Best Animated Feature. The score, composed by Thomas Newman, adds emotional resonance to the film's narrative, while the original song “Steal the Show” by Lauv complements the romantic elements of Ember and Wade’s story.

In summary, Elemental presents a unique blend of humor, heart, and visual artistry wrapped in a story about love, identity, and overcoming differences. It invites audiences to explore the beauty of connections, even when they seem improbable.