Wondering if Pixar’s newest film Elemental is ok for kids? With a slow burn to the second half, these elements can be long-winded at first. The story picks up, and a beautiful love story emerges. Not only romantic love, but familial love. Here’s what parents need to know in this Elemental Parents Guide.
Elemental Parents Guide
Disney and Pixar’s Elemental is an original feature film set in Element City, where fire-, water-, land- and air-residents live together, but also separately. Ember (Leah Lewis) is fire and is an intelligent woman, eager to please her parents who have sacrificed so much to raise their family here. They own a shop in Fire Town that Ember is supposed to inherit…when she’s ready. Sometimes her fiery temper can cause problems with the customers.
When Ember accidentally causes some issues with pipes in the shop and water begins to leak in, Wade (Mamoudou Athie) the inspector, threatens to close the store due to the many citations he has to issue. Ember is desperate to save her dad’s shop and convinces Wade to help her. However her father does not like water and bans Wade from the store. How is Ember supposed to save the store now when her aging papa needs a break?
Age Rating: Why is Elemental Rated PG?
Elemental is Rated PG for language, peril, and thematic elements which means some content may not be suitable for all kids.
Language in Elemental
There is no profanity in Elemental, but words like stupid and jerk are used. I thought I may have heard one use of damn, but honestly, I wasn’t sure. The phrase “get off your lazy ash,” was also heard.
Mature Content: Is Elemental OK For Kids?
This is a love story, and characters are romantic and flirt with each other, dance together, hold hands and kiss. There is a reference to “hanky panky.”
Characters are elements and so they don’t really wear pants.
Mature topics of grief, forbidden love, true love, parents growing older, generational expectations on children, and family are prevalent.
Violence: Is Elemental Scary for Kids?
Elemental is not a scary movie and has no jump scares. Some characters and homes are shown in peril from other elements.
Is Elemental Appropriate for Kids Under 8 Years Old?
You can expect a love story, some minor language used by characters, and some characters in danger in Elemental. Overall, Elemental is kid friendly for kids ages 5 and up. Although Elemental is rated PG, I think it’s pretty close to a G Rating for content.
What parents need to be concerned about is the length of Elemental (1 hr and 42 minutes) and whether young kids will be entertained. Content-wise there isn’t anything inappropriate for children, except for some mature topics like death of a parent.
What kids will like are the incredible and bright visuals of Element City. It’s reminiscent of Zootopia. With as much (unnecessary) time as they spent building up the story, I would have liked to see more of Element City and even more of Wade’s back story. The first half was really slow with getting to the conflict.
And then there it is in the second act. That’s when the magic happens. While the story and messages may not be new, the emotional connection is real when learning about the struggles and sacrifices of Ember’s family to leave their old home. It’s one that immigrants and their families can relate to. Some themes may be more mature for younger children, but my teens loved the film. A classic love story that even they could empathize with.
Some messages could have been more subtle, giving the audience more credit to pick them up on their own. But the visuals, the characters, and heartfelt moments really make Elemental worth watching.
Elemental is deeply moving. It may take awhile to get there, but it’s worth the wait.
If you’re a fan of the film, here are some free printable Elemental Coloring Pages and games for your little ones. Also, enjoy these Elemental movie quotes.
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