Pixar’s latest animated feature Elio follows an 11-year-old boy who is accidentally chosen as Earth’s representative in an alien galactic council. What begins as a fun sci-fi setup soon reveals a tender coming-of-age story about loneliness, identity, and the longing to belong.
Directed by Adrian Molina, who co-directed Coco, Elio carries many of the usual Pixar qualities: stunning visuals, clever world-building, and emotionally grounded themes. But while it has plenty of heart and imagination, it doesn’t quite reach the emotional heights of the studio’s best work.
A Strong Setup with Emotional Intent
Elio Solis, voiced by Yonas Kibreab, is an introverted kid with a big imagination. After a misfired transmission is picked up by aliens, he is whisked away into a galactic federation and expected to represent all of humanity. The catch is that no one on Earth even knows this is happening, and Elio is far from ready.
Much of the emotional weight comes from his relationship with his mother Olga, voiced by America Ferrera. She is a scientist juggling work and parenting, which leaves Elio feeling isolated and misunderstood. The setup becomes a metaphor for growing up, showing how confusing and scary it can feel to be thrust into unfamiliar territory with no guidance.
Visual Brilliance and Creative Design
Visually, Elio is top-tier Pixar. The film bursts with color and creativity. The alien characters are uniquely designed, and the worlds they inhabit are filled with texture and flair. Elio’s alien sidekick Glordon is especially memorable, bringing a mix of comic relief and warmth.
There are also clever sci-fi elements, including first contact awkwardness and exaggerated alien interpretations of Earth culture. The creativity feels in line with earlier Pixar experiments like Inside Out or Soul.
Where It Falls Short
The main issue with Elio is its tendency to try to do too much. It wants to be a space adventure, a story about grief, a political fable, and a buddy comedy all at once. With so many moving parts, several arcs feel undercooked. Some story beats resolve too quickly, and key emotional moments do not hit as hard as they could have with more breathing room.
The film’s central theme about belonging is clear and relatable, but it never quite lands with the emotional punch seen in Pixar’s finest moments. The final act is sweet, but the wrap-up feels more like a neat conclusion than a truly earned payoff.
Strong Voice Work and Subtle Humor
Brad Garrett is a standout as the blustering alien warlord, bringing the kind of presence you expect from him. Zoe Saldaña and Jameela Jamil deliver solid performances, though they are underused. Yonas Kibreab gives Elio a sincere, vulnerable tone that helps the character feel authentic and likable.
The humor works but is more subdued than in Pixar’s more laugh-heavy films. Most of the charm comes from character interactions rather than big jokes.
Final Verdict: 7.5 out of 10
Elio is a heartfelt and imaginative film that feels more like a solid mid-tier Pixar entry than a new classic. It has enough warmth, creativity, and visual flair to make it worth watching, especially for kids and families. But it does not quite leave the lasting emotional impact that Pixar fans might expect.
Still, for those looking for a feel-good space adventure with a big heart and strong message about identity and belonging, Elio is a fun and worthwhile trip.
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