Elio Review: An Unforgettable & Charming Trip To Space

Pixar’s Elio delivers a charming story about a boy just trying to find his place in the universe, something that we can all relate to.

Pixar’s Elio is going to be a hit with families, there is no doubt about that. It is adorable, fun, and charming. The main character, Elio, is lovable and kind, making it easy to root for him. There are heavy themes about trying to find your place in the universe, which is something we can all relate to.

Young Elio is obsessed with space, constantly begging to be abducted by aliens and taken away from his life on Earth. When that dream finally comes true, he is mistaken for the leader of his planet. Things go off the rails for him pretty quickly when Lord Grigon threatens the Communiverse and he volunteers to do the negotiating.

While it is clear that some plot points changed from the initial teaser trailer to the final product, any disjointed bits are over by the time the movie gets going. After the first thirty minutes, any concerns are left behind as the story settles in and finds its footing.

Impressive & Unique Alien Designs

The animation in Elio is absolutely gorgeous, really pulling viewers into this world. The Communiverse alone has so many different elements to oogle, but the aliens themselves are impressive. Each one has a unique design. I can’t even imagine how fun that room was when everyone was coming up them.

Brad Garrett Nails It As The Villain Lord Grigon

As with any good villain, Lord Grigon lives in a gray area. He is an angry warlord, but he is also a father. He is complicated, but there are still ways that I could relate to him (especially as a parent). Brad Garrett voices him brilliantly. He absolutely nails the more emotional scenes, which, coupled with the beautiful animation, had me in tears.

Glordon Steals The Show

While I do love and appreciate Elio’s story, it is Glorgon that steals the show for me. Not only is he adorable, young, and innocent, but the way he just wants to be good is heartwarming and special. He makes the perfect friend for Elio, and the two of them have great chemistry together.

It is his story that tugged at my heartstrings the most, and his story that made me cry harder. That said, it wouldn’t have worked as well as it did without his connection to Elio.

Overall Thoughts

Is a Pixar movie even a Pixar movie if it doesn’t make you cry? I am not ashamed to admit that this one had me teary-eyed at the end, as per usual with this studio. The overarching themes are extremely relatable because who can’t relate to wanting to feel loved and accepted? This is a story that the world needs, especially right now.

On top of that, the animation is stunning, and the jokes always land. Without getting into spoilers, there are even a few horror moments, which might sound off brand for Pixar, but trust me, it really works.

A great trip out of the house for families this summer, Elio is more than worth checking out on the big screen when it hits theaters on June 20. I highly recommend splurging for the 3D option if you can because it completely immerses you in the story.

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About Elio

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.

Elio comes to theaters on June 20.

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Pixar's Elio delivers a charming story about a boy just trying to find his place in the universe, something that we can all relate to.

• 7.5