I love the fact that this new animated film from Disney and Pixar is an original story idea. It’s not based on anybody’s comic book, it’s not based on a TV show, it’s not based on a game, it’s an original idea that they came up with, and lucky for us, it’s an adorable one. In their description of the film, the creators say, “For centuries, people have called out to the universe looking for answers – in this film, somebody calls back.”
Elio tells the story of a smart and inventive young boy named Elio (Voice: Yonas Kibreab) who loses his mother and father at a young age and is raised by his military aunt, Olga Solís (Voice: Zoe Saldaña). She has dreams of joining the astronaut program but puts them on hold to raise Elio.
Maybe because of the loss of his parents so young, he feels left behind, lonely, and like no one understands him. He loves his aunt, but he feels like she doesn’t understand him. Elio’s imagination is captured by the fact that the Voyager satellite, with its golden record (known as a message in a bottle from children and adults all over the world), is a remarkable achievement. With his intellect and creative mind, he becomes obsessed with space and the possibility of being abducted by aliens. He believes that only in another world in space will he be accepted and belong.
Because he is on the base where his aunt works with radio telescopes tracking satellites and space debris, he hears about the discovery of a possible message sent back to Earth because of the Voyager satellite. Elio intercepts the message and sends one back to the aliens, instructing them to come and get him.
When it happens, he is beamed up to the Communiverse. An interplanetary organization with representatives from galaxies far and wide, the story heats up. Elio is mistakenly thought of as “the leader of Earth” and tasked with negotiating with Lord Grigon (Voice: Brad Garrett), who is bent on destroying the Communiverse when he is rejected for admission.
Will Elio be able to work things out with Lord Grigon and, by doing so, gain admission to the Communiverse organization? You will have to watch the film to find out.
This kind of fun-loving adventure story is a refreshing addition to the big, loud, oftentimes violent summer movies we usually get. Elio is visually exciting enough to warrant a viewing at your local cinema. The score from composer Rob Simonsen takes the film to a higher level. He is known for scoring non-animated hits such as 2022’s The Whale and 2024’s It Ends With Us. The music for Elio is moving and epic in its scope. This draws us further into the magic of the quality visuals that you expect from a Disney Pixar film.
I give Elio 4 stars. It’s a lovely family film with a sweet message and great visuals. Enjoy it at a theater near you.
Directed by: Adrian Molina, Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi
Written by: Julia Cho, Mark Hammer, Mike Jones
Rated: PG
Selig Rating: 4 Stars
Running Time: 1 h 39 min
Release Date: June 20, 2025
Computer Animation/adventure/ Space Sci-Fi
Wide Release: In Theaters in IMAX and 3D June 20th
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldaña, Remy Edgerly, Brad Garrett
The Selig Rating Scale:
5 Stars – Excellent movie, well worth the price.
4 Stars – Good movie
3 Stars – OK movie
2 Stars – No need to rush. Save it for a rainy day.
1 Star – Good that I saw it on the big screen, but wish I hadn’t paid for it.