Have you heard of the four classical elements, air, fire, earth and water? They can be said to be one of civilization’s great unifiers, a cosmological theory shared by different ancient cultures, such as the Hindu Vedas, the Buddhist Mahabhuta, and the zodiac in Western astrology. This could be why having them as the theme for “Elemental”, Pixar’s newest movie, is appropriate to address the harsh reality of racism and the struggles faced by couples with different beliefs.
It drew some attention due to its similarities with “Zootopia”, but I feel that both movies are different in the social issues that they bring up. Although both movies have realistic portrayals of prejudice and groupthink, “Zootopia” focuses more on systemic racism (how rabbits cannot become cops and how figures of authority carry out discriminatory acts) while “Elemental” focuses more on microaggression in the forms of backhanded compliments, insensitive remarks and unwarranted rejections.
In Element City, the “Fire population” is seen as harmful, often turned away from various sections of society, and are forced to congregate outside the city. The main character, Ember, who is part of the aforementioned fire people, vividly remembers being barred from seeing the Vivisteria Flowers which are known for their ability to survive in any element. She was told that ‘fire was too dangerous’ and to ‘burn somewhere else’. This draws parallels with the xenophobic phrase “Go back to your country”, which was originally used in the US by White Anglo-Saxon Protestants targeting other European immigrants.
Vivisteria Flowers
In addition, when Ember’s parents first immigrated to the city, they were rejected by landlords at every accommodation put up for rent. This is similar to Singapore’s rental racism, where landlords exclude certain ethnicities from tenancy. According to CNBC, many Singapore renters from minority races stated that they still experience prejudice. Additionally, the majority of Singaporeans would prefer to rent to someone of the same race, according to a survey conducted by CNA and the Institute of Policy Studies (IPS).
Results from the CNA-IPS survey
It is ironic that such discriminatory practices are still prevalent in a country known for its interracial harmony. Ember’s parents also had to change their names to “Bernie” and “Cinder” — something the other elements could pronounce instead of retaining their native names, just like how BIPOC tend to “westernise” their names or adopt an English name in order to give their American counterparts an easier time pronouncing them.
Not only was outright racism shown via the use of derogatory terms like “sparky”, “fireball”, “cloudpuff” among the elements, subtle racism was also presented in the form of a backhanded compliment. When Ember visited Wade’s family for the first time, his uncle complimented her on how “well and clear” she spoke, suggesting that he had stereotyped Fire people to be uneducated. What sounds like a compliment is actually a form of microaggression, as it reveals the speaker’s inner prejudice against other races.
Through Ember and Wade, we gain a deeper insight into the struggles that interfaith and interracial couples face, especially in the beginning of their relationship. With their black cat and golden retriever dynamics, their interactions were surely interesting!
Amber and Wade
Although Wade’s family was welcoming towards Ember, the same cannot be said for Ember’s father’s attitude towards Wade. When family plays such a big part in one’s life, their disapproval towards one’s relationship can impact it greatly. For interfaith couples, it is not as simple as blocking out the disapproval because it is said that “when you marry someone, you marry their entire family”. To give up on familial ties for a romantic relationship may not seem like a very good trade-off.
The fact that both parties come from 2 very different backgrounds also contributed to their conflicts. Wade has more autonomy to do whatever his heart desires as he came from a wealthier and more established background that emphasises on free will. On the other hand, Ember is a child of 2 immigrants, which means she has to bear the burden of repaying the sacrifices her parents made instead of following her dreams. In the film, we can see her grappling with guilt after realising that she does not want to take over her family business, yet she feels obligated to do so. Otherwise, she is at risk of losing the faith and trust of her parents.
Ember with her parents, Bernie and Cinder
This occurrence is common in children of expatriate families. Immigrant parents usually immigrate in search of a better life for their children, sacrificing their own dreams so that their children can have a better environment to grow up in. Being conscious of such sacrifices, immigrant children tend to spend the rest of their lives trying to show their parents that the sacrifices were not in vain. How could they, when their parents have given up everything for them? It is as if the burden of fulfilling familial expectations comes together with the identity of being immigrant children. Xenophobia possibly contributes to the expectations as well, since achieving material success may be a way to feel less ‘inferior’ to the ‘locals’. Thus, guilt follows when one does not live up to their parents’ expectations, be it achieving greater economic success or higher social class.
While the plot was nothing too outstanding, the visuals made up for it. The romance aspect of “Elemental” was executed smoothly, albeit a little corny. Wade and Ember had the usual storyline of star-crossed lovers, with their fair share of emotional outbursts and heartfelt confessions, so I would recommend this film when you need a feel-good rom-com at the end of a tiring day. I’m sure that many will find its realistic scenarios relatable, especially children of immigrant families or interfaith couples.
Rating: 8/10
Written by: Ong Huay Xin (23A11)
Edited by: Chin Guan Ngian, Iann (23S75), Samuel Naing Yee Sheng (23S75)
Designed by: Ong Huay Xin (23A11)
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