Pixar’s Elio Review: Discover why this cosmic coming-of-age tale is being called the most emotional Pixar movie in years. A heartwarming story of identity, belonging, and adventure.
Pixar typically has a talent for pulling at our heartstrings, from the love story in Up to exploring memory in Inside Out. But with Elio, the world-renowned animation studio is boldly venturing into a galaxy far, far away. Directed by Adrian Molina (Coco), Elio is not only a science fiction production, but also a heartwarming story about identity, belonging, and what it means to be human; and that have audiences everywhere calling it Pixar’s most heartfelt film in years.
Who Is Elio?
At the center of the film is Elio Solis, an 11-year-old quirky boy with a significant amount of intelligence, but also some loneliness. Elio, who is raised by his self-sufficient mother Olga, a classified government agent, spends his time lost in books, art, and daydreams. When Elio ends up being transported across the galaxy and gets mistaken for the Ambassador of Earth by an intergalactic council, everything changes.
Elio Solis is not your average science fiction protagonist. Not only is Elio not brave, and not prepared to battle, he is introverted, emotional, and beyond overwhelmed. And that is what makes him relatable.
1. Themes of Identity and Belonging
A significant emotional thread of Elio is around this question: Where do I belong?
Elio is a kid who doesn’t fit in. On Earth, he gets bullied, is misunderstood, and is isolated. In space, he gets thrust into a new role—an ambassador to Earth—that he is clearly not ready for. Both of these worlds offer Pixar opportunities for nuance about identity, and allow audiences to truly feel this emotion taking place in Elio. As he forms connections with some bizarre, but lovable alien species, Elio learns that being different is not a flaw, but a strength.
This too will resonate with kids (and adults) who can look back on their lives and think how they have felt out of place. In a world that celebrates conformity, Elio also celebrates individuality, in the most heartfelt ways.
2. A Heartwarming Relationship between Mother and Son
Olga and Elio’s relationship is the emotional crux of the film. Olga, voiced by America Ferrera, is a strong woman who takes charge, accustomed to keeping her son out of harm’s way. But she doesn’t always understand the interior world of Elio’s sensitivities, imagination, and fears.
The film does not vilify her but instead explores the loveliness of the tension between love and protection. By the end of the film, both mother and son have developed in their own ways and learned to trust each other more. Pixar has not shown the parent/child dynamic in this way since Finding Nemo.
Visual Wonder and Worldbuilding
Pixar’s animation is always world-class, but Elio is on a completely different level of visuals. From all the vivid colors of the Communiverse to the bizarre alien designs, this film is visually beautiful. But visuals and hey look at that amazing thing is always half the story in a Pixar film. All of the alien worlds tell a little of Elio’s human story.
For instance, the crystalline city of Cerulix, ruled by logic, where Elio is challenged creatively, to Yondar, made of an organic, always changing jungle, which reflects his inner conflict. Each visual world is filled with metaphor transforming the whole visual world into a living, breathing extension of the story.
Character Highlights: More Than Just the Boy Wonder
Elio Solis – Voiced by Yonas Kibreab
Yonas Kibreab gives a breakthrough performance as Elio. His voice acting is age appropriate, tender, nuanced, and totally believable. When Elio is scared, excited, confused, or overwhelmed, Elio feels like a credible human – a fully fleshed-out character that you want to root for.
Olga Solis – Voiced by America Ferrera
Olga is one of Pixar’s most multi-dimensional mother figures, with strength and vulnerability to match. She’s got an emotional arc of her own equivalent to Elio’s, reminding parents everywhere growth can be a lifelong process, not just for kids.
The Galactic Council – A Jamboree of Cosmic Beings
From the gut-busting space jellyfish to a telepathic moth-like creature with social anxiety, the Galactic Council is a source of comic relief, but equally offers funny commentary on different aspects of humanity. Their misunderstandings of Earth customs gives way to some great humor, but there’s underscored complexity in culture, misunderstanding, and communication.
The Emotional Payoff (Spoiler Alert)
The last third of the film is where it really gets emotionally wild. After a big mistake nearly creates a cosmic catastrophe, Elio faces his greatest fear of being alone. But then he finds his voice, not as an ambassador of Earth, but just as himself.
When he says, “I don’t know everything. But I know who I am,” it is more than merely a triumphant moment, it actually conveys meaning. The emotional payoff is huge, and the final image of Elio and Olga will melt even the heaviest hearted hearts.
The Reason Audiences are Falling in Love with Elio
Since its release, not surprisingly, Elio has received rave reviews from critics and audiences. Here’s why the film is hitting such a deep chord:
1. A Sci-Fi Movie With a Heart
Most space adventures are about high-speed chases and cool tech. Elio embraces emotion, self-reflection, and character development over spectacle. Less Star Wars and more Inside Out in space.
2. A Movie For Dreamers and Misfits
Anyone who feels like an outsider—including kids who feel different, the parents who can’t connect to them, or a kid no one else can see—will find a reflection of themselves in Elio’s story.
3. Thoughtful Inclusion
Elio is a uniquely significant step forward for representation in mainstream animation—starting with it having Latino lead characters, to its inquiry into emotional intelligence in boys.
9.5/10
It’s a feeling more than just another animated movie, it was a heart-full, needless-an-imagining, stunning, emotionally intelligent experience.
Pixar has developed a space saga that trades laser battles for heart and healing. Elio’s story is grand yet uniquely personal—definitively reminding us sometimes being your true self is the bravest thing you can do.
FAQs
Is Elio appropriate for children?
Yes! While there are serious themes, the humor, bright colors, and fun alien characters make it kid-friendly.
What is the main message from Elio?
The main message is that it’s good to be you, to accept your weirdness, and just because you’re not perfect doesn’t mean you are not worthy of love and respect.
Will Elio connect to any other Pixar films?
Not really! Elio is an original story – in fact, no connection at all to previous Pixar films! (Well… we do think there will be some connections for some fans if they look closely, and the Easter eggs!).
Should I go see Elio in the theaters?
Definitely. The animation is stunning when viewed on the big screen and the emotional journey is best viewed live with an audience.
Does Elio have an end credit scene?
Yes, there is an end credit scene and it is quite wholesome! We won’t spoil it for you, but it gives you a glimpse into the next (possibly) adventure and will provide some fans hope for a sequel.
Why is Elio Pixar’s most emotional film in years?
Because of the combination of a sweet mother-son relationship, empowerment coming-of-age story and themes of self-worth that connect emotionally to anyone of any age.