They say that opposites attract. This idea can define all kinds of things with the most notable being relationships; and it has also helped a variety of stories in an array of mediums. So, what happens when you take this idea and apply it to a concept centering on two different elements? Well Pixar decided to answer that question with their latest film Elemental; directed by filmmaker Peter Sohn.

Elemental tells the story of Ember (Leah Lewis) living with her family Element City. However, before she can take charge of the family business, she meets a watery inspector named Wade (Mamoudou Athie). After a situation that put Ember’s family at risk the two must find a way to save the family business but in the process the duo become close leading to a completely different dilemma. The film’s inspiration came from several ideas. The first of these came from the pitch of whether fire and water could ever connect. However, the more intriguing aspect was how Sohn used his own family history as the backbone for the story. The movie also inspiration from a variety of romantic films including Moonstruck and My Big Fat Greek Wedding. Truth be told, Elemental did not grasp my attention before its release. While the element concept was interesting, other aspects did not make the movie a must-see event. However, I was still curious to see what Pixar had to offer in their summer outing, so I finally watched their latest film and I found myself pleasantly surprised with Elemental.

Going into the movie, Elemental did not appear anything new as its concept and setting felt like Disney’s Zootopia. Yet after watching the story unfold, I can say that was not the case. Despite it sharing similar themes and execution to the 2016 Disney film, the plot to this Pixar film was keener in its storytelling. When it came down to it the center of this tale was the love story between Ember and Wade. The romantic story between the two elements was more personal and engaging than I would have expected with its grounded execution going a long way to help the story stand out. Along with this aspect was the theme of heritage which was prevalent in Ember’s story. The importance of family was a captivating element for this tale as it was an aspect that most could relate to and added to the personal flair to this vibrant story.

Having fire and water as a duo was an investing idea, and it paid off for this movie as Ember and Wade were an enjoyable pair. Ember had the most of development of the two and she made for a strong lead with her personal motivation and dilemma. Wade, on the other hand, did not have as much development as his fiery counterpart but he was a well-rounded character who bounced off of Ember’s personality perfectly. Along with this impressive duo was a supporting cast full of colorful characters as additions like Wade’s boss Gale (Wendi McLendon-Covey) and his mother Brook (Catherine O’Hara) were enjoyable to say the least. Yet the stronger supporting characters were undoubtedly Ember’s parents; particularly her father Bernie (Ronnie Del Carmen). While his development was nothing new, it still worked for the character and gave Ember a understandable conflict.

With the movie centering on the element concept, it was interesting to see how the animation would handle this idea-and the result was an incentive spectacle. While the animation was up to Pixar’s standards, what set this movie apart fromthe othersr features was its sense of design. This was notable in the overall look of element city, but perhaps this direction was more apparent in the characters’ designs. The characters utilize the element concept fantastically with the most notable being the fire characters who were creative in their movements and expressions. When it came to music, Thomas Newman provided another score for Pixar. The score to Elemental was as thematic as it was somber which made a perfect companion to this Pixar film.

Elemental is a Pixar film through and through. Using a creative concept like having anthropomorphic elements, the movie’s true strength comes its keen storytelling and memorable cast; and with its fantastic animation this film was an experience that lived up to Pixar’s name. While this film may appeared as a typical entry for the House of Mouse, Elemental proved they be so much more as this animated feature is a wonderful movie for not just the summer; but the year itself.