by Rosa Parra

Pixar Animation has rightfully placed itself in the pantheon of delivering excellent animated films. So, it’s no wonder that audiences always hold their movies to such a high standard. Next is “Elio,” a sci-fi intergalactic story about a boy seeking answers and companionship in the cosmos. Adrian Molina, Madeline Sharafian, and Domee Shi direct this film. It stars the voices of Yonas Kiobreab (as Elio), Zoe Saldana (as Olga), Remy Edgerly, Brad Garrett, Jameela Jamil, and Ana de la Reguera. 

Another Latino saving the universe? Count me in! We got a sneak peek of this film at Cinemacon in April, and I was thoroughly impressed with the animation and the overall visuals of the cosmos. It was part of the 3D presentations they showcased, and it was stunning! I’m pleased to say that the entire film was just as visually impressive as the clip we saw.

The crisp, fresh look of the hydrospheres, the bright and colorful design of the aliens, and the stunning depiction of space and galaxies were breathtaking. Pixar has once again outdone itself with the animation and hit it out of this world with the story (pun intended). Additionally, this film excels in its story and execution. 

Elio is struggling with the grief of losing both of his parents and must now find a way to live with his aunt, Olga, who Zoe Saldana brilliantly voices. Olga has a challenging role as an army sergeant and also serves as Elio’s guardian. Elio, a boy fascinated by aliens, has an awkward and somewhat antisocial personality. Navigating the loss of his parents while trying to discover his identity is undoubtedly difficult for him. To cope with his grief, Elio becomes increasingly obsessed with the universe and, eventually, aliens. He feels more understood and at ease in the vastness of the universe. It’s pretty mind-bending to realize how one can feel alone in a world filled with billions of people, as well as nature and animals, yet still feel empty.

The relationship that Elio and Glordon develop is sweet and heartfelt. They bond over their lack of parental connections and share their feelings about expectations with others. Glordon is the child of Lord Grigon, voiced by Brad Garrett, who serves as the film’s antagonist. Their relationship has a moving arc as well. I appreciated the message about the importance of being true to yourself. Most of the time, pretending to be someone else leads to disappointment, as other people’s wants and needs take precedence. 

A sequence involving cloning captured my interest, and the way this subplot concludes is both satisfying and impressive. Additionally, another sequence evokes a familiar horror genre trope, which felt a bit out of place in a Pixar movie. Although it seemed odd at first, it eventually fit into the overall narrative.

My only issue with the film is that it felt too short. I would have loved to spend an additional 20 minutes in that world. However, the story ultimately became formulaic. On a brighter note, there’s a nice mid-credit scene and a post-credit scene that tease the upcoming Pixar film scheduled for release in March 2026. 

“Elio” is a beautifully animated film that explores themes of loneliness, alienation, and the search for what truly resonates with us. It effectively illustrates the idea of finding meaningful connections in unexpected places and emphasizes the ultimate significance of family. The film raises profound questions about whether we are the only living beings in the universe and highlights the insignificance of politics, religion, and a self-serving mentality. I never thought I’d say this, but being abducted by aliens doesn’t seem like such a bad idea right now.

Rating: 8/10.