Elemental

Originally published on social media on March 5th, 2024

Disney accomplished something truly remarkable with this film: they created a film loosely based on a true story, and made it’s messages about immigration, discrimination, learning how to love, and learning how to be your own person while respecting your family accessible to kids. That is no easy feat, AND they made a family that is equally fun and equally relevant to adults.

What is there not to love about this movie? The animation is beautiful, the story is fun with realistic elements (pun not intended), the soundtrack is well done, and there is a good combination of humor and drama. Really, it’s a child’s rom com!

This film has so many things going for it, but you know the thing that really stuck with me? The character Ember and her hair. As silly as it sounds, her hair helped me better understand my emotions. Ember is a fire element character, and her hair changes colors with her level of anger. There’s a moment in the film she is at work and people are pushing her buttons and her hair gradually becomes blue (which is the hottest color of fire), and she will become more explosive. Of course I’m not made of fire, but understanding my patience, irritation, and anger levels in terms of a color of a fire has helped me navigate my emotions and cool down as I need to. Like I will think to myself, “oh oh, I’m getting purple, I need to calm down.” Granted, the goal for me is to be chill and go with the flow like the character Wade (a water character), but let’s face it…I’m too sassy, opinionated, determined, and stubborn to be Wade, I am Ember.

I share all of that with you to say that when a movie speaks to you that much, it deserves an Oscar, and I sincerely hope this film receives that honor this Sunday.

Also, please Disney, keep making movies with immigrant love stories, they are truly impactful!