Elio (2025)

​“Elio” stars Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldaña, Remy Edgerly, Brad Garrett, Jameela Jamil, Shirley Henderson, Matthias Schweighöfer, and Brandon Moon.  Released on June 20, 2025, the film is about a boy who is mistakenly identified by aliens as Earth’s ambassador.

The film is directed by Domee Shi, who’s known for directing “Bao” and “Turning Red”.  It is co-directed by Madeline Sharafian, in her feature directorial debut, and Adrian Molina.  Sharafian is a story artist at Pixar, having worked on “Coco” and “Turning Red,” and directed the short film “Burrow.”  The universe is quite expansive, but it’s also shrouded in countless mysteries we have yet to explore.  Many of us ponder what lies beyond the galaxy we reside in, while some question whether we are truly alone in the vastness of “outer space”.  The answer to that life-long question has now been unfolded by someone who’s old enough to enjoy a rocket ship ride at a convenience store.  Pixar certainly has its hands full with its upcoming sequels to beloved films such as “Toy Story”, “The Incredibles”, and even the classic “Coco”, with the latter being quite a surprise considering the film’s one-and-done storyline.  Thankfully, the well-beloved studio consistently manages to find the time to release its original films amid its cash-grabbing sequels, though there have been times when those follow-ups can justify their existence with the proper execution.  The first of two new originals, with another directed by Daniel Chong set for release next year, takes audiences on yet another intergalactic journey destined to provide galaxy-filled chuckles and even some traditional tears, which would hopefully be enough to lure in audiences eager for something fresh in the cinematic landscape.  With that in mind, let’s blast off and see whether this Pixar original is truly out of this world.

The story centers on Elio Solis (Kibreab), an active eleven-year-old boy with a profound obsession with aliens.  Raised by his overwhelmed military aunt Olga (Saldaña), Elio makes several attempts to get abducted by extraterrestrial beings, which often leads him into trouble and leaves him alienated from those around him.  Eventually, Elio’s latest attempt to make contact resulted in him finally achieving his dream, as he was beamed up by the Communiverse, an interplanetary organization consisting of alien ambassadors from various galaxies.  However, this also resulted in Elio being mistaken as Earth’s ambassador, placing the significant responsibility of maintaining peace between the distinct lifeforms on his shoulders.  His unexpected journey leads him to befriend Glordon (Edgerly), a larval-like alien who also seeks companionship.  Unfortunately, their friendship and Elio’s new position are put to the test when Lord Grigon (Garrett), an alien warlord and Glordon’s father, seeks to disrupt the galactic peace.  As Elio works to navigate this interstellar crisis, he will eventually discover his sense of belonging in this vast universe. 

It bears repeating that I’m always open to an original concept from Pixar amid its new follow-ups on the way.  While I enjoyed most of the sequels, prequels, and spin-offs of its properties, it’s clear that none of them can live up to their predecessors, which have been successful in their world-building and all-ages storytelling.  But, as we’re all aware, we’re at an era where Pixar’s original films haven’t achieved the financial success as its sequels, mainly due to the pandemic, Disney+, and a “lack of marketing”.  Regardless, I continue to support the studio’s original ideas as much as possible, with “Elio” being no exception.  The film’s take on the typical “galactic adventure” vibe presented an opportunity to infuse some fun and kookiness in its ideas and world-building, reminiscent of other Pixar films.  However, it was the inclusion of its themes that drew me in the most, particularly loneliness, which feels quite fitting given the universe’s presumed vast emptiness.  Knowing Pixar, the studio has delivered near-perfect balances between fun, kid-friendly concepts and thematic narratives that resonate with adult viewers, even for films that haven’t reached top-tier cinematic heights, such as “Elemental”.  So, I was hoping that “Elio” would also uphold that tradition despite sharing the same animation style as “Turning Red”, a choice influenced by Domee Shi’s role as one of the film’s directors.

After experiencing this film, I’m happy to say that my hopes were once again fulfilled by what Pixar delivered.  The renowned animation studio has once again employed its signature narrative techniques and emotional grasp, which catapulted its other projects to galactic heights, to make “Elio” a vibrantly dazzling and profoundly heartfelt adventure for all ages.  Would I say it’s another groundbreaking masterpiece like “Toy Story”, “Inside Out”, or even “Soul”?  Well, that’s one tough expectation to meet when you have a narrative that’s seemingly straightforward and cartoonish compared to those films.  However, “Elio” demonstrated that just because a plot seemed cartoony and straightforward, it doesn’t mean there’s nothing good coming out of it.  The simplicity is rooted in the film’s young protagonist, who is eager to be abducted by aliens and is mistaken for a space ambassador, resulting in him completing a dangerous task to maintain his facade.  It sounds pretty straightforward enough to appease the younger crowd, especially when it presents an opportunity for some fish-out-of-water scenarios.  But there’s actually more to this intergalactic adventure than what it appears to be.

Similar to the studio’s previous outings, “Elio” leverages its ordinary galactic narrative and visual innovation to deliver a thought-provoking and insightful reflection on loneliness, self-esteem, uniqueness, and belonging, particularly from a child’s perspective.  These themes were intricately woven into Elio and his grappling with grief after the untimely loss of his parents.  As he embarks on an unexpected journey among the stars, Elio is driven by a desire to find his place in the expansive universe — a venture that will resonate deeply with audiences of all ages, especially children who are obsessed with space aliens.  The movie tackles the age-old question that so many of us ponder: “Are we alone?”  For everyone else, it often pertains to the vastness of the universe.  But, in the case of “Elio”, it’s not just the cosmos the question is referencing.  It also encompasses the human experience of connection.  It poignantly addresses the paradox of feeling isolated even when surrounded by others, highlighting the internal struggles many face in seeking meaningful relationships, family-related or otherwise.  

This direction is nothing new, but it does often pose a risk of alienating specific kids with its mature themes amid its bright colors and cartoony antics, especially since it has a depressed child as its protagonist.  Fortunately, “Elio” managed to navigate those potential pitfalls to avoid getting its spaceship wrecked by that possibility.  The movie struck the proper balance between its weighty subject matter and the vibrant, whimsical elements typical of other kid-friendly animated features.  Through its colorful visuals and engaging antics, it manages to retain a family-friendly atmosphere while delivering its heartfelt messages.  The story of a young boy dealing with depression is sensitively handled, ensuring that the film remains accessible and relatable to children while appeasing their parents with its subtle maturity.  Ultimately, “Elio” shines as another testament to Pixar’s power of storytelling that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking.

This was mainly due to its screenplay by Julia Cho, Mark Hammer, and Mike Jones.  Regarding its plot, I personally had concerns that a plot like this would succumb to its conventional “kid movie” cliches to appease the younger crowd.  Given the film’s setup, it seemed inevitable that the movie would rely on kid-friendly, fish-out-of-water humor to drive the narrative forward, especially with Elio being the sole human ambassador among a diverse group of alien leaders.  Thankfully, Pixar knew how to limit itself when it comes to comedy.  The humor in the film does not merely hinge on slapstick antics but instead thrives on the characters’ charming chemistry.  The jokes were also cleverly written, offering a convincing level of wit that’ll give adult viewers another reason to stay in the film’s galactic world.  

Additionally, the script excels in transcending its simplicity and predictable plot elements to offer an innovative and refreshingly heartfelt perspective on isolation and the pursuit of belonging.  This was achieved without sacrificing the film’s vibrant energy and charismatic atmosphere, especially for its world-building.  The Communiverse seemed pretty small by Pixar’s standards, but it’s also packed with richness and immersion to compensate for its limitations without straying too far from its tight narrative.  The screenplay also benefitted from the unexpected companionship between Elio and Glordon, which has been one of Pixar’s greatest storytelling strengths since its inception.  This charming friendship between a boy and an alien was engaging enough to drive the plot forward, but it also played a significant role in the film’s exploration of companionship and opening up to others.

However, the real heart of “Elio” lies in the complex relationship between Elio and his aunt Olga, an Air Force major.  The sudden tragedy of losing Elio’s parents thrusts them onto an unforeseen path, with Olga handling it the worst as she struggles to manage her job while raising Elio.  While I would admit that there’s plenty of fun to be had in the Communiverse and Elio’s friendship with Glordon, I personally think Elio’s nuanced relationship with Aunt Olga is what captivated me the most.  This is a family dynamic that delves into the heartache of their initial disconnection, gradually unfolding into a narrative rich with warmth and understanding.  This bond beautifully underscored the film’s themes of loneliness and familial understanding, providing a touching growth that has the two struggling to open up to each other.  As someone who has recently become an uncle, I found this aspect of the film more relatable than I thought it would be, as it made me reflect on the responsibilities and unexpected situations I might encounter in the future.  The way “Elio” handles these themes through its direction was truly remarkable and moving, and the emotional core and themes were profound enough to make me shed a tear, especially during the film’s third act.  It bears repeating that if a Pixar movie makes you cry, it’s enough to ensure that the studio has a hit on its hands.

The voice cast also did an incredible job embodying the lively and endearing characters, both in comedic and dramatic moments.  As usual, the cast features a balance of fresh talent and well-known celebrities lending their voices, particularly Zoe Saldaña, but what won me over the most were the newcomers.  Yonas Kibreab leads the cast in his film debut as the young Elio, joining Pixar’s line of young actors who may be making it big in the movie business.  Much like Anthony Gonzalez, who voiced Miguel in “Coco”, and Rosalie Chiang, who brought Mei from “Turning Red” to life, Kibreab delivered a superb blend of charm, energy, and heart to convey a protagonist young audiences can connect with.  Elio’s spirited energy and enthusiasm were suitably balanced with his vulnerability and genuine isolation, making him another worthy addition to Pixar's esteemed roster of heroes, thanks to Kibreab’s endearing vocal performance.  

Remy Edgerly was also impressive as Glordon, the young larva alien Elio befriends.  Edgerly expertly balanced Glordon’s childlike innocence with a touch of sincerity to make the character irresistibly adorable, both inside and out, despite his larva-like appearance.  I would also mention that Zoe Saldaña’s performance as Olga was another reason for the film’s successful family dynamic between her and Elio.  Saldaña infused her character with heart and soul, much like in her previous roles, seamlessly transitioning her acting talents into the world of animation with fantastic results.  Brad Garrett, who’s no stranger to working with Disney and Pixar, provided the voice of Lord Grigon, who’s depicted as the film’s antagonist until later on.  As someone who enjoyed Garrett in his previous films, I anticipated that he would deliver the same charm and likability for the galactic warlord as he did in his other roles.  Unsurprisingly, Garrett managed to meet that expectation, as he captured the menacing aura of Grigon in an entertaining way while also infusing the character with an unexpected heart.  That alone was enough for me to call it another solid win for the actor.

“Elio” is another project that has Pixar embracing a presentation that's characterized by a more cartoonish and highly expressive style of animation, as opposed to the realism of the character designs and backgrounds.  While some Pixar enthusiasts may prefer the latter in the realm of Pixar, I still think this style is appropriate enough for the studio to fully embrace the originality and unusually bizarre aesthetics.  The studio has experimented with this style in “Turning Red,” which offered a vibrant, anime-influenced portrayal of the challenges of puberty.  In “Elio”, the style is utilized to fully capture the whimsical imagination and innovation of the Communiverse, a world that feels expansive and limitless despite its constraints.  The result is a vivid blast of childlike wonder and vibrancy that embodies the grand scale of its cinematography and art designs.  While it still features realistic textures and palettes in the Earth-based backgrounds, the Communiverse is what makes the animation truly shine, much like a shooting star.  The alien designs were uniquely creative and refreshing, while the color palettes and lighting effects in the set designs enhanced the film’s wondrous atmosphere.  Even the characters pack plenty of human traits in their cartoonish-like appearances, making them fun and endearing.  Regardless of the animation style Pixar provides, the studio holds no bounds in expressing its creativity that balances perfectly with the storytelling.  I would also credit composer Rob Simonsen for his impressive score, which beautifully captured both the wonder and heart of the film.

Overall, “Elio” is a vibrantly endearing and thought-provoking intergalactic adventure that masterfully blends galaxy-sized fun with thematic storytelling.  Its minor predictable plot elements may have prevented it from soaring past the stars.  Fortunately, the execution of its simple concept and emotional depth is stellar enough to maintain its momentum, allowing me to admire the beauty of Pixar’s narrative charm and genuine heart at a comfortable pace.  The voice cast was superb in their roles, the screenplay was smartly crafted to explore its themes in a family-friendly manner, and the animation was fantastic in its wildly creative designs and gorgeous galactic settings.  These elements, along with Pixar’s other reliable strengths, make “Elio” the studio’s best original film since “Turning Red”.  If you’re a fan of Pixar and eager to experience something original from the studio, this film is worth making contact with.

A-