Exploring the Cosmic Adventure of “Elio”: A Fresh Take on Interstellar Friendship
If a typical animated film is like a box of sugary breakfast cereal, then “Elio” is akin to a box of vibrant, flavor-packed cereal-think of it as a colorful, energizing burst of fun. The story centers around a young, imaginative orphan named Elio, who lives under the care of his aunt and dreams of being whisked away by extraterrestrial visitors. In true Pixar fashion, the universe responds to his wishes, launching him into an intergalactic journey that is as visually stunning as it is emotionally resonant.
A Tale of Loneliness and Connection in a Stellar Setting
While “Elio” may not reach the heights of Pixar’s most iconic classics, it remains a lively and engaging piece of family entertainment. The film’s narrative, though familiar in its themes of alien encounters and youthful wonder, is delivered with a contagious enthusiasm that keeps viewers captivated. The animation, though reminiscent of previous Pixar worlds, offers a fresh palette of imaginative extraterrestrial designs, making each scene a visual feast.
Meet the Human and Alien Cast of Characters
Elio’s guardian, Aunt Olga (voiced by Zoe Saldaña), is a dedicated Air Force major tasked with satellite protection-her role involves monitoring space debris and safeguarding Earth from potential threats. Her aspirations to become an astronaut were dashed by the tragic loss of Elio’s parents in an unspecified accident, leaving her both loving and overwhelmed. The script, crafted by Julia Cho, Mark Hammer, and Mike Jones, emphasizes her exhaustion and the challenges of raising a precocious child.
Elio, voiced by Yonas Kibreab, is a curious, bright, and slightly eccentric boy obsessed with space exploration-particularly inspired by the 1977 Voyager mission, which carried a record of Earth’s sounds and languages in hopes of communicating with extraterrestrial civilizations. His desire to escape his troubles by being abducted by aliens underscores his longing for adventure and belonging.
From Childhood Curiosity to Galactic Diplomacy
The film’s directors-Adrian Molina, Madeline Sharafian, and Domee Shi-capture Elio’s exuberance with a frenetic energy that mirrors a child bouncing with excitement. Through a series of rapid plot twists, Elio is unexpectedly taken aboard a massive spaceship, where he encounters a diverse array of alien species-forming a “Communiverse” of extraterrestrial cultures. These beings believe Elio to be the leader of Earth, a humorous nod to the current state of global leadership, which could certainly benefit from a dose of youthful optimism.
Visual Creativity and Character Diversity
The film’s depiction of alien life is a playground for inventive design. The spaceship itself, a beautifully crafted conch-shaped vessel, serves as a backdrop for a parade of imaginative creatures: a frilly, telepathic celery stalk; a grumpy, amorphous blob; and a series of rock formations that come to life. Among these characters is Ooooo, a floating blue orb voiced by Shirley Henderson, representing a supercomputer made of water, and a sentient, flying encyclopedia shaped like an infinity symbol. The antagonist, Lord Grigon (Brad Garrett), is a formidable, clanking super-soldier from the Crab Nebula, determined to conquer or destroy any part of the Communiverse he cannot join.
Heartfelt Moments Amidst Cosmic Chaos
As the plot accelerates into a whirlwind of encounters and conflicts, the most touching scenes emerge from Elio’s developing friendship with Glordon, Lord Grigon’s son. Glordon, a gentle, water-bear-like creature with a toothy grin, shares a bond with Elio that highlights themes of understanding and acceptance. Their connection offers a heartfelt counterpoint to the film’s frenetic pace, emphasizing that even in the vastness of space, friendship and empathy are universal languages.
Visual Style and Artistic Consistency
“Elio” is suitable for viewers of all ages, including parents, though it features some tense moments. Fans of Pixar may notice a recurring visual motif-the design of the Communiverse echoes previous worlds like “Inside Out,” “Soul,” and “Luca,” with a similar palette and aesthetic. The only notable exception is the vibrant, Day-Glo afterlife setting from “Coco.” Interestingly, the film’s creative team includes veterans of these prior hits, which contributes to a familiar yet polished universe. While the studio’s signature style remains lively and inventive, some may sense a slight creative fatigue creeping into the familiar visual language.
Balancing Excitement with Emotional Depth
Ultimately, “Elio” delivers a high-energy adventure that delights with its imaginative visuals and humorous characters. Yet, its most enduring moments are rooted in the quiet celebration of love, friendship, and the human (or alien) connections that transcend worlds. The film reminds us that even in the vast cosmos, the bonds we forge are what truly make us feel at home.
Practical Details and Viewing Recommendations
Rated PG, “Elio” is suitable for family viewing, with some action and thematic elements that may require parental guidance. The film runs for approximately 99 minutes, making it an ideal choice for a lively movie night that’s both entertaining and thought-provoking.
– Ty Burr, author of the movie recommendation newsletter Ty Burr’s Watch List, available at tyburrswatchlist.com.
