As we look around, we see the dynamics of society constantly shifting—just like the cinematic universe. As bolder concepts are explored, it often feels like there’s nothing new left to uncover. Everything we’ve longed to hear or understand has already been told, in one form or another. And when it comes to animated films crafted for wider audiences, especially our little ones, creating something that truly makes sense—something deeply engaging, resonant, and lasting—becomes even more challenging.
Enter Elio, a radiant burst of emotional storytelling that breaks through that creative ceiling—and does so with unmatched grace.
The titular character, Elio, voiced by the incredible Yonas Kibreab, is an eleven-year-old boy with an injured left eye. He’s just lost both parents and is now being raised by his aunt Olga, brought to life with grounded strength by Zoe Saldaña. Olga is a devoted Air Force major who gave up her dreams to care for Elio, though the bond between them is strained. Interestingly, the character was originally written as Elio’s mother and set to be voiced by America Ferrera. But in a bold and wise creative pivot, the team reimagined her as Elio’s aunt—an inspired decision that deepened Elio’s emotional longing for connection, and it shows in every frame.
Elio, feeling like Earth has no space for him, wanders into a restricted Voyager 1 exhibit. That’s where his extraordinary journey begins. His obsession begin to grow to get abducted by aliens. And his dreams come true. He’s suddenly and mistakenly abducted by aliens who believe he is Earth’s ambassador. Transported to the Communiverse—a sprawling intergalactic hub filled with radiant lifeforms and vibrant absurdities—Elio meets OOOOO, a gelatinous, blue supercomputer voiced by Shirley Henderson, who morphs into everything from a vinyl player to a writing pen. He also crosses paths with Questa (Jameela Jamil), an elegant alien ambassador, and Tegmen (Matthias Schweighöfer), whose voice carries across languages.
But before going further, let me say this: I haven’t cried during an animated film since the day Mufasa died. Nothing has touched my heart the way Pixar’s Elio did. The storytelling is remarkable—a masterwork of warmth, imagination, and quiet devastation. It’s a heart that beats louder with every scene, pulling you in with the magnetic innocence of a child searching for belonging. You’ll want to hug Elio, to protect him, to tell him he’s finally home.
The tension builds when Lord Grigon (Brad Garrett), a massive warlord in high-tech armor, declares himself the rightful ambassador through force. When Elio’s attempt at diplomacy fails, he’s thrown into prison, where he meets Glordon (Remy Edgerly), Grigon’s son—a misunderstood, worm-like creature inspired by larval insects and tardigrades. Despite his many teeth and eerie appearance, Glordon is endearing, tender, and—like Elio—just wants to be understood. The two boys, alien and human, form a connection that transcends language and species. They also encounter their own clones—Other Elio and Other Glordon—adding another poignant layer to their journey of self-discovery.
And behind this dazzling narrative stands a dream team of storytellers who deserve thunderous applause. Directed by Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, and Adrian Molina, and written by Julia Cho, Mark Hammer, and Mike Jones, from a story crafted by Sharafian, Shi, Molina, and Cho—Elio is a testament to what happens when fearless creativity meets emotional intelligence. These artists didn’t just make a movie; they created a universe pulsing with humanity, wonder, and relevance. It’s no exaggeration to say this is one of Pixar’s most emotionally rich, thematically profound, and visually original works to date.
In the end, Elio isn’t just about a boy getting lost in space—it’s about finding your voice, your people, and your worth. It’s about healing. About love. And about rewriting the stars when the ones on Earth fail to shine.
Elio is more than a visually stunning intergalactic adventure—it’s a deeply personal journey about grief, identity, and belonging. Through breathtaking storytelling and unforgettable characters, it reminds us that sometimes the biggest battles we fight are the invisible ones inside us. Elio’s longing for connection leads him to the stars, but in the end, it’s his voice—and his choice to be honest about his feelings—that brings him home.
For children, especially those navigating their own silent struggles, Elio offers a message that is both vital and healing: you are not alone. It’s okay to feel misunderstood. It’s okay to feel lost. But the only way to be found is to speak up. Just like Elio learns to express what’s in his heart, this film encourages kids to do the same—to trust that someone will listen, whether it’s a friend, a guardian, or even the stars above.
In a world that often expects quiet resilience from the young, Elio dares to show that vulnerability is not weakness—it’s the path to light, love, and liberation. And that’s what makes this film not just brilliant, but unforgettable.