When the nominations for the 2024 Golden Globes were announced, Pixar’s Elemental was among the contenders for Best Animated Feature Film. The movie, about a romance between beings of fire and water, received mixed reviews when it debuted last summer. While it eventually found its audience, some question whether Elemental should be considered among the year’s best-animated films.

A Slow Start For Pixar’s Latest

Elemental by Pixar
Elemental by Pixar

Directed by Peter Sohn, Elemental tells the story of Ember, a fiery young woman, and Wade, a water being. Set in the city of Element City, inhabited by the classical elements of fire, water, air, and earth, the movie explores whether these opposing forces can connect. It drew comparisons to anime classics exploring human nature and romance.

Elemental had high expectations as the next film from the acclaimed animation studio Pixar. But when it arrived in theaters last June, the response was milder than anticipated. Reviews praised the film’s visual achievements and themes but criticized the predictable plot. The opening box office weekend also fell short of projections.

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Word of Mouth Fuels Elemental’s Comeback

Elemental by Pixar
Elemental by Pixar

In subsequent weeks, however, Elemental gained momentum thanks to strong word of mouth. Audiences connected with the unlikely central couple and their struggles with family expectations versus personal dreams. As Ember and Wade overcame prejudice, viewers saw parallels to civil rights movements.

By the end of its theatrical run, Elemental outperformed recent Pixar films like Onward and Lightyear. When it debuted on Disney+ last November, Elemental became the streamer’s most-viewed film just ten days after its release. Analysts now deem Elemental a sleeper hit that found its audience over time.

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Does Popularity Equal Quality For Elemental?

Elemental by Pixar
Elemental by Pixar

Elemental’s popularity is clear. But should that equate to accolades like a Golden Globes nomination? Several other animated features this year, like Guillermo del Toro’s Pinocchio, received better reviews yet missed out on nods. Given the high bar set by animation studios, some ask whether Elemental meets that standard.

Ultimately, Elemental succeeds at portraying universal themes in an imaginative setting. The voice cast gives nuanced performances, and the animation realizes Element City’s diverse inhabitants. Musically and visually, the movie conjures an immersive atmosphere true to director Peter Sohn’s vision.

Elemental may have charted an unconventional course to success in theaters and viewers’ hearts. But by resonating emotionally across demographics, it shows animation’s storytelling power. Does Elemental deserve its Golden Globes nomination among 2024’s best animated features? Its ability to inspire audiences despite early doubts suggests it does.

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