Disney’s latest film Elemental is released on Disney Plus today - it’s not a biblical story but I would say it’s gateway-gospel

Disney has long been associated with flowy-haired princesses being rescued by valiant men on horseback. Don’t get me wrong, I loved a bit of Sleeping Beauty when I was kid, but this new batch of films from the media and entertainment conglomerate have far more depth.

Where previously we learned not to make deals with witches or eat dodgy apples – we’re now learning about community (Raya and the Last Dragon), handling our emotions (Inside Out) and not putting ambition before relationships (Soul). Who needs therapy when you have a Disney + subscription eh?

This is about learning from one another, crossing cultures and navigating parental expectations. 

Now they’ve done it again. Today is the day Elemental is released, and far from being a film about waiting for true love’s kiss, this is about learning from one another, crossing cultures and navigating parental expectations. My goodness it’s a humdinger. I loved it for its humour, heart and emotional conclusion (my sister was in tears but for context, she’s also five month’s pregnant).

The film features characters made from one of the four elements; water, earth, wind, and fire. Those from different groups are often segregated as there are differing perceptions of each and each thrives in different conditions. You seeing what they’re doing there? The film takes on a big, bold and biblical topic – addressing how we treat one another, how we show respect and honour and how we sacrifice for those around us.

If there’s one thing the Bible can speak to (and there isn’t – there are thousands) – it’s sacrifice. The idea that the ultimate act of love is sacrifice is something that is unavoidable in scripture as Jesus laid down his life for each of us. While the majority of people will not be called to die for another person, there will be many times when we get to ask ourselves the question: “what am I willing to sacrifice?”

The idea that the ultimate act of love is sacrifice is something that is unavoidable in scripture.

Parents will know this question well. As will partners in successful and strong relationships. Friends will know that sometimes what you would prefer doesn’t matter because someone else needs their needs met first. It’s how we care for one another, by recognising that there are plenty of times when we cannot prioritise ourselves.

Disney hasn’t given us a biblical story, although it is a good social and familial tale. But what they have done is plant the seed that love is giving, caring and sacrificial. That is no bad thing for our younger generation (and ourselves) to get to grips with. No, it’s not a story straight from Jesus, but it could be a gateway to the Gospel, and I’ll take that as a win.