Pixar is returning to theatres after the COVID pandemic with its first original film, Elemental, which will be out in theatres on Friday in the U.S.
The film by the Disney subsidiary is set in Element City, where residents are made out of fire, water, earth, and air and have to learn to co-exist despite their great differences, but with a “elements don’t mix” mantra.
The plot follows Ember, the fiery daughter of a hard-working immigrant, and Wade, the go-with-the-flow son of a wealthy water family, and is an immigration, racism, and prejudice analogy.
“This film talks a lot about family loyalty, cultural identity, and falling in love for the first time,” said Leah Lewis, the voice of Ember.
“The message is “a very prescient one for the times we’re in,” said Wendi McLendon-Covey, who voices Gale.
The film had a world premiere at the 76th Cannes Film Festival, and received a 68 percent score on Rotten Tomatoes based on early reviews from the festival.
Despite that, the film has been receiving praise for its innovative rendering of the water and fire characters.
