Elemental, the latest cinematic delight to grace our screens from Pixar, encapsulates an exquisite blend of heart-tugging storytelling, unique characters, and an artistry in animation that we have come to expect from Pixar Animation. I just want to spend a minute to note that the Pixar short, Carl’s Date, at the beginning of the movie is fun and delightful. This short brings back two familiar characters, Carl and Dug, in a new little chapter of their lives. It was a treat to see these two on the big screen again, and I hope to see them again soon in future Pixar projects. 

The magic of Elemental lies in its beautiful animation. The use of color, in particular, is masterful. Each scene unfolds in a riot of hues that reflect the emotions of the characters and the moods of the story. The elemental world is painted with a palette that highlights the exquisite beauty of nature and its “elements”. This vivid display adds an entirely new dimension to the narrative, making the world of Elemental resonate with immersive allure.

The animation style itself is brilliant. Each elemental is distinctly rendered, reflecting their corresponding natural element in a stunningly imaginative and emotive way. The care that went into each design, movement, and interaction between characters is clear. Elemental is the kind of film that will inspire young artists and delight seasoned animation enthusiasts with its innovation.

Elemental is a story told with emotion, but one we have seen before. The narrative unveils a familiar story, treading upon well-trodden paths of love, loss, and self-discovery. While the story may feel at times, familiar, it is precisely this familiarity that allows Elementals to strike an emotional chord. Yet, amidst the apparent echoes of familiarity, Elementals manages to infuse a subtle touch of uniqueness. 

Where Elemental really shines is in the beauty and vivid colors of the animation. The city you are introduced to feels lived in and full of life. The characters introduced are interesting, and the world is intriguing enough that Pixar has a lot to work with if they decided to do a sequel.

Elemental may not be the next Toy Story by any means, but it shows that Pixar has a winning formula, and they know how to capitalize upon it. The movie is well worth the watch, but I feel it may be overlooked due to the release of The Flash. If you're a fan of Pixar’s work and/or you are looking for a great family friendly movie, then this is the one for you. Not to mention, the amazing short at the beginning of the movie, that itself is worth the watch. This movie is Miko approved, 8/10.