An out of this world, galactic good time, Disney Pixar's latest, Elio is a sweet, fun, and whimsical space adventure that reminds us we aren't alone.
Elio Review
I think there is a point in all of our lives where we look up into the night sky and wonder if there is anyone or anything else out there. It's a thought that has inspired scientists, poets, philosophers, and creatives since the dawn of time. Pixar looks at this complex topic and unpacks it in the gentle, warm way they are known for. The result is a film that proudly wears its heart on its sleeve, with lovable and colorful characters, inhabiting some of the most stunning environments the animation team has created to date.
Elio is a sweet, fun, whimsical Pixar adventure full of laughs, heart, and of course life lessons. The beautifully rendered worlds, fanciful extraterrestrials, and Glordon (everyone needs a best friend like him), make this one stand out from the Pixar pack. It's a moving story about loneliness and feeling out of place in the world. Even the sub-themes speak to it, such as how being unique, grieving, and wanting friends might make you feel alone for a time. But in true Pixar fashion they come along with a much-needed hug and reminder that we are never truly alone, even when it feels like we are lost in a black hole.
11-year-old Elio Solis (newcomer Yonas Kibreab) just lost both his parents and finds himself living on a military base with his aunt, Olga (Zoe Saldaña). Trying to connect with her nephew, Olga takes Elio to the local air and space museum. Feeling lost in the universe, Elio is drawn to the idea of making contact with others from across the galaxy. His newly found obsession puts him at odds with Olga and his peers but he doesn't seem concerned. He goes to the beach daily with his suitcase and a ham radio to lay in the sand surrounded by the message “Aliens Abduct Me!” Naturally, he gets his wish and from there the movie blasts off to the Communiverse, home to all of the galaxy's most brilliant aliens. Thanks to some classic miscommunication, they believe Elio to be the leader of Earth, something he doesn't deny. But his lies get him into a lot of trouble when he comes face to face with Lord Grigon (Brad Garrett), a robotic-like warlord who wants to destroy the Communiverse.
Similar to Strange World, Elio pays homage to classics from the sci-fi genre like Alien, 2001: A Space Odyssey, E.T., and more but it also dives into the horror elements, albeit in that safe Pixar way. The best example is their spin on cloning and what happens when the clone is no longer needed. Then there is The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy nod, courtesy of the Communiverse’s user manual, voiced by the hilarious Bob Peterson. It contains all the answers anyone could ever want to know, such as the meaning of life, but when you're 11 that's the last thing you want to learn. Even if the adults in the audience wish Pixar could just spell it out for us. But it is the depiction of all these moments as well as the Communiverse itself that shows off some of Pixar's most eye-catching imagery to date. (Honestly, they continually out do themselves, Inside Out 2 still wows me.) This is a world full of sparkling stars, rich shades of purple, vivid greens, blues, and warm corals. Earth is more realistic while space feels like a dreamscape, one designed by a child eager to explore the unknown.
Aside from the visual awesomeness and thoughtful story, Elio's main character is a truly lovable little outcast. From the moment he is introduced, holding tightly to two astronaut figurines, you can't help but love this kid. Sure he is a bit eccentric with his space goals but we can see his desperation for what it is, a desire to feel like he belongs somewhere. Kibreab is energetic, earnest, and instantly likable. Add to that Glordon (Remy Edgerly), the son of Gridon, and these two are meant to be included in the best friend's hall of fame at Pixar. Edgerly's Glordon is sweet, kind, and enthusiastic about life despite knowing that his dad doesn't understand him.
Their friendship is likely to be a standout in the film but I would argue the beating heart is actually that of Elio's relationship with his aunt. At first it is strained as they are both thrust into a situation neither of them planned for but they come together by the end and tears are shed both on screen and probably in real life too. While it didn't make me ugly cry like co-director Adrian Molina's Coco, Pixar knows when to pull at your heartstrings and the themes of belonging are sure to resonate with every human and intergalactic species watching.
Verdict
Molina along with co-directors Madeline Sharafian (Burrow) and Domee Shi (Turning Red) have crafted a big-hearted, whimsical, and sweet intergalactic adventure with the message that we are never truly alone. It's a poignant, thoughtful love letter to the outsider in all of us. Not only is it an endearing story but it boasts eye-catching visuals that truly immerse you in the wonders of space. The young cast really delivered great performances and makes me hope that we will see more of Elio and Glordon's post-film adventures in the future. I feel like this would be perfect for the next Pixar short or Disney+ short series… just saying!
For anyone who has ever felt like they never belonged, Elio is a sweet reminder that there is a place for all of us in the great, big, beautiful cosmos. Plus everyone needs a friend like Glordon.
Elio is in theaters June 20. It is rated PG for some action/peril and thematic elements with a runtime of 99 minutes.
Leave a Reply