Pixar’s Elio, opening in theaters this Friday, tells the story of an 11-year-old boy navigating grief, identity, and intergalactic politics in a heartfelt but formulaic adventure.
Elio (voiced by Yonas Kibreab) is a lonely child struggling with the recent loss of his parents. Living on a military base with his overwhelmed aunt Olga (Zoe Saldaña), Elio finds solace in the idea that there might be life beyond Earth. Desperate for connection, he attempts to communicate with aliens and succeeds.
He is suddenly whisked away to the Communiverse, a colorful cosmic federation of alien civilizations, where he accidentally convinces everyone he is the leader of Earth. From there, Elio must bluff his way through negotiations, encounters with alien leaders like the warmongering Lord Grigon (Brad Garrett), and a series of diplomatic tests — all while grappling with his own sadness and insecurity.
The film introduces Glordon (Remy Edgerly), a googly, slug-like alien who becomes Elio’s adorable companion. Their playful chemistry provides some of the film’s most charming moments.
Directed by Adrian Molina (Coco), Madeline Sharafian, and Domee Shi (Turning Red), Elio is rich in visuals and emotion but suffers from a lack of narrative focus. The story tries to juggle grief, political satire, and space comedy, which makes the film feel stretched and uneven at times.
While it stays true to Pixar’s tradition of delivering emotional depth and imaginative world-building, Elio doesn’t break much new ground. The film leans heavily on familiar themes: a misunderstood child with a hidden strength, the importance of empathy, and the power of unconditional love. These elements are touching, but they also feel repetitive.
Visually, the film delivers with vibrant designs and fun genre nods, but storytelling lags in the first half. A few sequences may even feel a bit too intense for younger viewers, though they are likely to see the humor where adults might see something darker.
In the end, Elio is a sweet, well-meaning film about finding your place in the universe, but it lacks the creative risk and emotional punch that defined Pixar’s greatest hits.
“Elio,” a Walt Disney Company release, is rated PG for thematic elements, some action, and peril. Running time: 99 minutes. Rating: ★★½ out of 4.
Paraluman P. Funtanilla
Paraluman P. Funtanilla is Tutubi News Magazine's Marketing Specialist and is a Contributing Editor. She finished her degree in Communication Arts in De La Salle Lipa. She has worked as a Digital Marketer for start-up businesses and small business spaces for the past two years. She has earned certificates from Coursera on Brand Management: Aligning Business Brand and Behavior and Viral Marketing and How to Craft Contagious Content. She also worked with Asia Express Romania TV Show.
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
- Paraluman P. Funtanilla
