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Elemental (film)

Elemental is a 2023 American computer-animated romantic comedy-drama film produced by Pixar Animation Studios for Walt Disney Pictures.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 26, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Elemental is a 2023 American computer-animated romantic comedy-drama film produced by Pixar Animation Studios for Walt Disney Pictures. Directed by Peter Sohn, it is set in Element City, where residents based on the classical elements live together. The story follows a fire element named Ember and a water element named Wade as they form a relationship and try to save Ember's family business.

Plot

The story follows Ember, a fire element, and Wade, a water element, whose relationship develops while they try to save Ember's family convenience store. The film uses the contrast between elements to explore themes of identity, belonging, and difference.

Production

Elemental was directed by Peter Sohn and produced by Pixar Animation Studios. It was released by Walt Disney Pictures and developed as an original animated feature set in a fictional city built around the four classical elements.

Release

The film premiered at the Cannes Film Festival and was released in U.S. theatres on June 16, 2023. Its theatrical runtime is 101 minutes.

Characters and setting

The main setting is Element City, where fire, water, earth, and air residents live in separate but overlapping communities. The principal characters include Ember, Wade, Ember's father Bernie, and other elemental residents.

Key facts

  • Elemental is set in Element City, a world inhabited by beings based on fire, water, earth, and air.
  • The film centers on Ember Lumen, a fire element, and Wade Ripple, a water element.
  • Peter Sohn directed the film and co-wrote the screenplay.
  • The film was released in U.S. theatres on June 16, 2023.
  • It is a Pixar production released by Walt Disney Pictures.
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Canadian context

Elemental had a standard North American theatrical release and was distributed in Canada through Disney's release network, making it broadly relevant to Canadian audiences as a Pixar film.

Frequently asked questions

What is Elemental about?
It is about Ember, a fire element, and Wade, a water element, who form a relationship while trying to save Ember's family store in Element City.
Who directed Elemental?
Peter Sohn directed Elemental.
When was Elemental released?
Elemental was released in the United States on June 16, 2023.
Is Elemental a Disney movie?
Yes. It was produced by Pixar Animation Studios for Walt Disney Pictures.
How long is Elemental?
Its runtime is 1 hour and 41 minutes.
What are the elements in Elemental?
The film features fire, water, earth, and air.

References

  1. Wikipedia — https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elemental_(2023_film)
    Supports: Director, studio, distributor, release year, premise, and classical elements
  2. Pixar Animation Studios — https://www.pixar.com/elemental
    Supports: Setting, main characters, elemental world, and Disney/Pixar branding
  3. Rotten Tomatoes — https://www.rottentomatoes.com/m/elemental_2023
    Supports: Release date, runtime, and Disney and Pixar identification
  4. IMDb — https://www.imdb.com/title/tt15789038/
    Supports: Runtime and plot summary