By Marc S. Sanders
Ember and Wade are perfect for one another. They truly belong together. Yet, science dictates that they have zero chemistry.
Ember is a figure of fire. Wade is a bubbling, joyful standing puddle of water. They reside in Element City along with people of earth and air, respectively. Pixar with Disney Studios, has transitioned from emoting human feelings in lovably figurative toys, monsters, cars and colorful emotions to the primary elements of our planet. Hence the title Elemental. It’s a blessing that the storylines and messages of this digitally animated feature are a winning combination.
Ember (Leah Lewis) is the daughter of her fire immigrant parents, Bernie and Cinder (Ronnie Del Carmen, Shila Omni). She loves to work with her dad in his mercantile shop that he built from nothing, known as The Fireplace. She’s hardworking and dedicated, but she can suffer from a short temper that turns her firebrand orange disposition into a raging purple. Suddenly, she’s charred the shop interior and maybe some of the customers.
Wade (Mamoudo Athie) is a water made building inspector who by unexpected circumstance comes upon the aftermath of a temper tantrum from Ember. He works as a building inspector for the city and simply by doing his job he cites enough offenses with The Fireplace that could shut down the shop for good. Now Ember must work with Wade to avoid that from happening, including haphazard water leaks that are stemming from a mysterious source within the city.
Elemental works because while it bursts with magnificent color, it has a story to tell in a brilliantly inventive and functional environment, much like the Monster World in Monsters, Inc. Pixar does not just stop at the marvelous animation. Their products continue working even beyond their well planned stories and conflicted characters.
With this film, the immigrant crisis that is a prevalent problem in the real world is addressed, but simplified for all ages to comprehend. Fire based citizens, inspired by Asian/Eastern cultures, are typically restricted to only fraternizing within their area of the city, among only their demographic. They are regarded as harmful and unsafe from the other three elements.
On the other hand, people of water, air and earth live in harmony. Director Peter Sohn, with a highly informative script from John Hoberg, Kat Likkel and Brenda Hsueh, is consistent with this reflection. Water, air and earth make up the first three iterations of Element City. Fire gets no recognition. Fire was not invented by a higher power. It had to be discovered. Therefore, they are sadly treated as a minority. The film doesn’t go so extreme as segregating the fire community to literal internment camps, but the feeling of isolation seems quite authentic.
Yet, fire serves an important purpose. Bernie might envision his daughter taking over the business as he is getting older and slower. Still, with Wade’s help Ember is realizing that she has talents that will make her happier and more fulfilled. She’s a natural at honing glass sculptures with merits in practicality and art.
At the same time Wade and Ember are becoming friends and maybe there is something more going on in their newfound relationship. Problem is they dare not make contact with one another. What would actually happen if fire and water mixed? Bernie and Cinder would never approve of this relationship either. As well, poor Wade and Ember may be frowned upon with prejudice if seen in public together.
My colleague Miguel reminded me that Elemental gets 98% of its science accurate. I definitely appreciate that. However, I’m also grateful for the remaining 2% left for my suspension of disbelief that is quelled by insightful imagination. Ember and Wade are such wonderful characters that they deserve the happiness they long for. As I watched, I longed for their destinies to outlast the seemingly impossible.
This is a special film from the Pixar factory. Elemental demonstrates that nothing should limit what any us of yearn for. No shortsighted policy of any kind should bar us from our pleasures. There’s a way for anything to work together. It only takes some thought. So you know what I say as I root for Ember and Wade? SCIENCE/SCHMIENCE!!!!
2 UNPAID MOVIE CRITICS!!!! 