Pixar's new animated film

Pixar's new animated film, Elemental, is set in a futuristic city where creatures represent the four elements—earth, air, fire, and water. The story explores themes of immigration, racism, and social integration through the experiences of its characters.

Main characters and their backgrounds

The film follows Flam, a young character with an incandescent head from Fireland, who lives in a ghetto on the outskirts of the city with her parents. She meets Flack, a more bourgeois character from the water element, who resides in an upscale neighborhood. Despite their differing backgrounds, the two must team up to prevent a catastrophic flood from engulfing part of the city.

Symbolism and societal themes

The film uses the elemental divide to metaphorically represent societal divisions, with the fire and water elements symbolizing different "ethnicities" and social classes. As Flam and Flack grow closer, they face challenges in their relationship due to societal suspicion, racism, and prejudices, particularly anti-fire sentiment.

Personal struggles and director's style

The film also features a subplot about Flam's struggle between her family's expectations and her personal dreams, a narrative thread familiar to Pixar's storytelling style. Peter Sohn, known for his work on Arlo's Journey (2015), directed the film. While some critics note that Sohn may not have the same level of aesthetic and inventive genius as directors like Pete Docter or Brad Bird, the film is praised for its tenderness and engaging visual humor, including Flam's "explosive" temperament and Flack's reactions to her presence.

Anniversary and availability

The film is part of Pixar's 40th-anniversary celebrations, and reviews are available to subscribers of the publication.