Pixar's tale of love defies convention in a way that conveys a complex, heartwarming tale.

Carl's Date appears before Elemental, just as I was beginning to wonder if Pixar had abandoned the practice of showing short films prior to the main feature. In this endearing short film, which is the sixth installment of the Up-related Dug Days series, widower Carl (Ed Asner) and his golden retriever, Dug (Bob Peterson), share their adventures. In Carl's Date, Carl is noticeably anxious for his date with Ms. Meyers. Dug has given Carl a lot of wise and hilarious advice, and now he's finally prepared to take on life again.

The endearing ten-minute film establishes the mood for Elemental, a story that functions as a parable and conceals deep truths within a straightforward love tale. Bernie (Ronnie del Carmen), Cinder (Shila Ommi), and Fire elements relocate to Element City, which is primarily made of water and is difficult for them to navigate.

After moving to Fire Town's outskirts, Bernie and Cinder raise Ember (Reagan To) as their child. Bernie operates a convenience store and gradually wins over all of Fire Town's residents as a customer. Cinder and Bernie both have mistrust for water. Bernie wants to retire and give Ember ownership of the convenience store, but only after she learns how to manage her anger.

Ember (Leah Lewis) develops into a kind, loving daughter who works at the convenience store and makes deliveries, but she still struggles with self-control. Besieged by demanding customers, Ember feels her temper rising when Bernie asks her to handle the red dot sale at the store as a test to see if she is ready to take over the store. She goes to the basement to release some steam, but sadly, she breaks some pipes, which results in flooding.

Elemental has amazing visuals; the way Ember and Wade are rendered is a mind-blowing blend of creativity and technology. Wade's firm fluidity is the ideal match for Ember's wavy warmth.

In addition to being a tale of the improbable chemistry and attraction between opposites, Elemental tells the tale of immigrants adjusting to life in a new country while bringing elements of their previous way of life, culture, and values with them. It's also a tale of overcoming fear of the unknown, realizing dreams, accepting the weight of expectation, and experiencing both the agonizing grief and exhilaration of letting go.

If there is one thing that people remember about this straightforward, endearing love story, it is the graphics, and we must give Pixar credit for their inventiveness and technological prowess for that.