Our JP gives his take on Pixar’s / Disney’s “Elio” about an eleven-year-old boy named Elio Solís (voiced by Yonas Kibreab) who accidentally becomes the intergalactic ambassador of planet Earth.
Elio
(Walt Disney Studios Motion / Pixar Animation Studios)
- Directed by Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
- Screenplay by Julia Cho, Mark Hammer, Mike Jones
- Story by Adrian Molina, Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Julia Cho
- Produced by Mary Alice Drumm
- Starring Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldaña, Remy Edgerly, Brandon Moon, Brad Garrett
- Jameela Jamil
Studio Synopsis:
For centuries, people have called out to the universe looking for answers—in Disney and Pixar’s all-new feature film “Elio,” the universe calls back! The cosmic misadventure introduces Elio, a space fanatic with an active imagination and a huge alien obsession. So, when he’s beamed up to the Communiverse, an interplanetary organization with representatives from galaxies far and wide, Elio’s all in for the epic undertaking. Mistakenly identified as Earth’s leader, Elio must form new bonds with eccentric alien lifeforms, navigate a crisis of intergalactic proportions, and somehow discover who and where he is truly meant to be. Directed by Madeline Sharafian (“Burrow” Sparkshort), Domee Shi (“Bao” short, “Turning Red”) and Adrian Molina (co-screenwriter/co-director of “Coco”), and produced by Mary Alice Drumm (associate producer of “Coco”), the film features the voices of Yonas Kibreab as Elio, Zoe Saldaña as Aunt Olga, Remy Edgerly as Glordon, Brad Garrett as Lord Grigon, Jameela Jamil as Ambassador Questa and Shirley Henderson as OOOOO. “Elio” releases in theaters June 20, 2025.
J.P.’s Take:
“Elio” sees Pixar returning to its roots in both atmosphere and storytelling, while creating a truly heartwarming adventure in the process.
This new story unfolds like a children’s book, filled with cheerful, vibrant, and colorful settings. And it’s not without its teary-eyed moments, if a bit on the lightweight side for good reason.
In this go-round, Elio Solis (Yonas Kibreab) finds himself navigating the turbulent waters of grief as an orphan who has recently experienced the devastating loss of his parents in a tragic accident. This sudden shift in his life has left him feeling adrift, grappling with the overwhelming emotions that come with such a profound loss.
The once vibrant world he inhabited has dimmed, and he now faces the daunting challenge of redefining his identity in the absence of the two people who shaped his existence. The weight of his sorrow is palpable, and it colors every interaction he has and making it difficult for him to connect with those around him.
Under the care of his aunt Olga (Zoe Saldaña), a Major in the Air Force, they navigate their complex relationship on the military base. Their connection fluctuates as they both seek to understand each other amidst the challenges of their new life together.
As Elio embarks on his quest, the narrative unfolds against the vastness of the universe, where his fascination with space and the search for extraterrestrial life is a metaphor for his personal growth. The writers skillfully incorporate themes of wonder and the unknown, while inviting us to ponder the mysteries that lie beyond our planet. Elio’s experiences resonate with anyone who has ever gazed up at the stars and wondered what else might be out there. This makes his story relatable and engaging. The blend of humor, heart, and adventure keeps viewers invested in his journey as they root for him to acknowledge and move through his grief.
Kudos to the star cast of voice actors, who lend their giddy and spirited vocal performances to liven the mood. Along with Yonas Kibreab (voice of Phinny on “Pupstruction”) and Zoe Saldaña (“Avatar,” “Star Trek”), Brad Garrett (“Everybody Loves Raymond”) voices the gruff yet tender-hearted robot-suited worm war-lord Lord Grigon; Jameela Jamil (“The Good Place”) is the rodent-like and motherly alien ambassador Questa’; Shirley Henderson (“Bridget Jones” films) does the gooey supercomputer creature named OOOOO; and Brendan Hunt (“Ted Lasso”) plays the zany conspiracy theorist Gunther Melmac (a wink to the TV series “ALF”).
Other prominent voices in the cast include Kate Mulgrew (in another wink to her TV show “Star Trek: Voyager”) as the voice of the Voyager 1 exhibit narrator, Tamara Tunie (“Beyond the Gates”) as Colonel Maxwell, Bob Peterson (“Up”) voicing the computerized Universal Users Manual, and Shelby Young (“Days of Our Lives”) as the voice of the Diplo Ship. There are also inserts of archival recordings of Carl Sagan placed in the right moments for good measure.
I felt the characters were lively enough to capture the attention of young folks.
While the plot is relatively simple, it holds together well … even if adults might not find it particularly deep. This approach seems intentional, likely aimed at making it relatable for children, especially those who might connect with Elio’s challenges. The futuristic setting adds a playful, almost whimsical quality that also connects with today’s youth.
All in all, “Elio” is a fluffy and feel-good movie that I believe families can rally around, especially for kids going through grief and feeling out of place.
Official Site: Elio
