Elio review

Elio: Pixar’s Stargazing Tale for Anyone Who’s Ever Felt Out of Place

Hey fellow adventurers,

You know those movies you stumble upon expecting lighthearted fun, and they end up tugging at your soul a little? Elio did exactly that to me. I went in hoping for dazzling aliens and intergalactic antics and came out reflecting on my own childhood, identity, and where we all belong in this massive, wild universe.

If you’ve got a soft spot for underdogs, family bonds, and jaw-dropping animation, keep reading — this one's for you.

An Unlikely Hero Among the Stars

Elio Solis is not your typical animated hero. He’s 11, a little awkward, endlessly imaginative, and feels like the odd one out both at home and school. Raised by his scientist mom, Olga, Elio spends his days dreaming of far-off planets — until fate drops him right into the Communiverse, an assembly of alien species tasked with cosmic diplomacy.

The catch? They think he’s Earth’s official ambassador.

The beauty of Elio isn’t in high-octane chases or galactic warfare. It’s in watching a kid, terrified and out of his element, navigate a strange universe while slowly realizing he might be stronger, braver, and more important than he ever thought.

Visuals That Feel Like a Dream

As a fantasy junkie who lives for rich, strange worlds (and yes, the occasional dragon or mystical beast), I was blown away by how the Communiverse looks. Pixar’s animators have truly outdone themselves here. Each alien species is uniquely designed — from ethereal beings that shimmer like constellations to fuzzy critters with six eyes and mischievous grins.

The colors, the textures, the backgrounds — it’s all lush, strange, and beautiful. The kind of visual worldbuilding that makes you want to pause every few seconds just to take it all in.

Heartfelt Storytelling at Its Core

At its heart, Elio is about belonging. The film gently explores what it feels like to be misunderstood, to lose someone important, and to long for a place to call your own. The relationship between Elio and Olga is tender and believable, packed with those small, familiar moments of love and frustration.

It’s not just about aliens and space councils — it’s about a kid finding his voice, even when surrounded by creatures from galaxies far away.

Who’s This Movie For?

If you’re a fan of films like Inside Out or The Little Prince, you’ll feel right at home here. It’s perfect for:

• Dreamers who still stare at the night sky;

• Kids (and adults) who sometimes feel like they don’t fit in;

• Anyone who loves inventive worldbuilding with a heart;

• Fantasy and sci-fi fans craving a softer, emotional story amid all the usual action fare.