Directed by Peter Sohn, Elemental (2023) is a heartfelt, visually stunning animation set in a world where inhabitants are based on the classical elements: Fire, Water, Earth, and Air. The story centers on Ember Lumen, a spirited young Fire-element woman who lives in Element City. Her orderly, fire-focused community is juxtaposed by the vibrant, liquid world of Wade Ripple, a Water-element man working in city sanitation.
Their chance encounter sparks both curiosity and conflict. Fire and Water are stereotypically at odds—but Ember’s structured, rule-driven life is shaken when she befriends Wade and navigates the diversity of Element City. As the duo explores cultural boundaries, they uncover that their elements are stronger—and more harmonious—together. The film builds toward an emotional climax on Ember’s birthday: when Fire accidentally causes a conflagration, she shields Wade from the flames and risks being ostracized by her own community.
Elemental succeeds on many fronts. Its world-building is rich and imaginative, with cityscapes that cleverly reflect elemental symbiosis. The animation shines in the rendering of flame, water flow, earth textures, and airy effects, each element boasting unique movement and visual flair. Vocal performances give depth and charm—Ember is bright and conflicted, Wade is gentle and optimistic, and their relationship blossoms with authentic warmth.
Thematically, the film explores acceptance, identity, and breaking cultural barriers. Its central message—true harmony arises from embracing differences, not ignoring them—is deeply resonant. Though critics have noted that the emotional arc treads familiar ground, Elemental elevates archetypes with heartfelt nuance, humor, and a sense of wonder.
Set a year after the original, Rise of the Storm sees Ember and Wade attending a grand festival that celebrates all four elements. Peace is in bloom—until an unprecedented weather disturbance appears: a massive storm—blending Fire’s lightning, Water’s currents, Earth’s tremors, and Air’s winds—threatens to upend Element City.
Guided by Ember’s father (a respected Fire leader) and Wade’s mother (a Water diplomat), the newly empowered couple embarks on a journey beyond the city limits. Their mission: discover the origin of the storm and rally representatives of Earth and Air—Terra Barkley, a grounded Earth engineer, and Aero Breez, a free-spirited Air artist.
Together, this quartet travels through diverse territories: floating Air markets, underground Earth caverns, rain-forested Water regions, and volcanic Fire plains. Along the way, they learn to blend their strengths, facing both physical challenges—rockslides, electrical surges, gust tunnels—and emotional trials, such as confronting prejudice that still lingers beneath the surface of some communities.
The climax culminates in a swirling elemental nexus high above Element City: the storm is revealed to be the planet’s natural defense mechanism against neglect of balance. Ember, Wade, Terra, and Aero must unite their powers—Fire’s spark, Water’s flow, Earth’s stability, and Air’s breath—to calm the storm and demonstrate collective stewardship.
Visually, the sequel expands the palette with thunderous skies, molten flows, crystalline caverns, and aerial dances. Thematically, it questions whether harmony is ever truly achieved—or must be continuously maintained through understanding and cooperation.
In Elemental: Rise of the Storm, Ember and Wade grow from friends to leaders. As they learn from Terra and Aero, audiences are reminded that true balance requires the contributions—and respect—of all voices. It is a hopeful, thrilling, and timely sequel—worthy of the original’s legacy.
