There are obviously more than five “elements” found in nature. If you were to Google “What are the four elements?” you will find articles on ancient history, yoga spirituality, and at least one piece published on Goop in 2022 that asks the question: “How do the four elements define you?” But, if you’re a sci-fi film aficionado, the real question is: How does The Fifth Element define us as science fiction fans? If we love this movie, that love comes with several qualifications and intellectual contradictions. But if we hate this movie, that hate feels disingenuous; like hating our horoscope because astrology is fake, but also being extra mad because this week’s horoscope happened to be right.
