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This summer, disney pixar says opposites attract with Peter Sohn's Elemental – a highly imaginative story from the studio that brought us Toy Story, Coco and Turning Red.

Seven years in the making, this family-friendly animated epic takes place in Element City, a fantasy land where the four elements – earth, air, fire and water – live in relative harmony, so long as they abide by one rule: elements don't mix.

Their separate neighbourhoods designate where they belong and breaking the status quo is out of the question. But what if all of that could change? 

Ember Lumen (voiced by up-and-coming actress Leah Lewis) is a quick-witted and tough fire elemental who lives with her strict father, Bernie (Ronnie del Carmen), and mother Cinder (Shila Ommi), who runs a local shop called The Fireplace.

A burst pipe in the basement introduces her to Wade Ripple (Mamoudou Athie), a water element who initially seems to be her opposite – he's easygoing and carefree, and has no qualms about elements hanging out together.

At first his cavalier attitude shocks Ember, but as the two explore Element City together and meet Wade's own, much more relaxed, family, he opens her eyes to a whole new world of experiences, and she begins to question if mixing it up 

is really such a bad thing. Director Peter Sohn – who previously directed 2015's The Good Dinosaur – based the story on his own experiences growing up as a Korean-American in the United States, and his family greatly inspired his take on this story of separation and integration.

There's a whole lot of personality in these little elements, from the short-fused fire to the daydreaming air, and together with screenwriters John Hoberg, Kat Likkel and Brenda Hsueh, Sohn has created a vibrant and unique visual world that will delight both adults and children. 

In keeping with Pixar's mission to champion creative and original storytelling, Elemental takes its cues from classic romantic comedies such as Moonstruck and Amélie, and celebrates the melting pot of cultures that forms when people come together to live side by side in the city.

The film has a timeless message of accepting others and learning to see the world from a different perspective. It also focuses on family dynamics, on what we learn from our parents and how these relationships shape the way we view the world. 

Elemental is a must-see for any Disney fan, but also for those looking for the latest in animation, as Pixar is renowned for its unique world building. The colourful, exuberant metropolis of Element City seems to be no exception.

With an original score by veteran composer Thomas Newman, as well as the likes of Joe Pera and Schitt's Creek legend Catherine O'Hara also lending their voices to the technicolor world of Elemental, this is sure to be a visual sensation – one that you'll want to see on the big screen. 

As if that wasn't enough, Elemental will be playing with a short film, as is the very welcome Pixar tradition. Carl's Date is a mini masterpiece about the beloved curmudgeon from Up, Carl Fredricksen (voiced by the late, great Ed Asner) who prepares for his first date in a long time, with help from his talking dog sidekick Dug (Bob Peterson).

Whether you're excited for a little reunion with some familiar friends from Up, or can't wait to make some new ones in the brand new world of Elemental, there's so much to love about this exciting Pixar adventure.    Hannah Strong

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