by Hudson Moura
Pixar’s Elio is a tender, visually imaginative space adventure that explores big emotional themes through the lens of one small, wide-eyed boy. Co-created by Oscar-winner Canadian animator Domee Shi (Bao and Turning Red), and Adrian Molina (Coco), and Mike Jones (Soul and Luca), the film combines the studio’s signature heart with a cosmic journey full of humor, charm, and unexpected poignancy.
The story follows Elio Solis, an eccentric 11-year-old raised by his no-nonsense aunt Major Olga Solis (voiced by Oscar-winner Zoë Saldaña), a strict military scientist tasked with neutralizing space debris that threatens the planet—an important environmental issue the film doesn’t explore in depth but nonetheless highlights, encouraging viewers to become more aware and sensitive to its urgency.
After hacking into a restricted military terminal, Elio accidentally beams a message into deep space—prompting an intergalactic miscommunication that leads to his abduction by the Communiverse, a federation of intelligent alien civilizations. Mistaken for Earth’s leader, Elio is thrust into a diplomatic role well beyond his years, negotiating with the menacing (but complex) Lord Grigon.
While Elio follows a familiar Pixar arc—quirky child goes on a journey of self-discovery—it does so with refreshing sincerity. The film addresses loss, identity, and emotional connection through the parallel stories of Elio and Glordon, Lord Grigon’s misunderstood son. Their growing bond, along with Olga’s quiet transformation into a maternal figure, gives the film a heartfelt core.
Visually, the film excels: each alien world is brimming with texture, color, and invention. The animation—particularly in the Communiverse—is a standout, with playful designs and detailed sci-fi flourishes. The Communiverse is a kaleidoscopic feast, and the pacing—propelled by Elio’s quest for a diplomatic “bargaining chip”—keeps the story light without ever sacrificing its emotional core.
Thematically, Elio is ambitious. It meditates on the pain of losing one’s parents, the desire to be seen and understood, and the power of friendship as a redemptive force. The motif of language—especially Elio’s unique way of communicating with those he loves—serves as a poignant metaphor for emotional connection. The film’s climactic message, that “we are not alone,” resonates both cosmically and intimately.
The story may seem simple and straightforward, but what we gain by following the narrative goes far beyond its twists, thanks to the emotional depth of each character. At its heart, Elio is a celebration of vulnerability, empathy, and connection across boundaries—whether planetary or familial.
But don’t mistake this film—it’s very much intended for children, and it’s likely they will fall in love with Elio’s rich imagination and his grounded, earthly heart. 
3.5/5