Elio Review: Pixar’s Cute Aliens Can’t Save A Predictable Story

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As a gamer, playing “Elio” often feels like a predictable journey through a Pixar-like world. Now, I don’t mean this as criticism – there are many enjoyable elements even in the most standard of Pixar games. However, for every innovative decision that could propel “Elio” into gaming greatness, there’s another moment that feels rushed or lacks creativity, pulling it back down to earth. The end product is a charming yet inconsistent game that fails to fully realize its incredibly imaginative potential.

It’s not hard to grasp why Elio (Yonas Kibreab) is enamored with the notion of extraterrestrial life. Following the demise of his parents, he experiences a profound sense of isolation, and the thought of other beings in space offers him hope that there could be a place where he truly fits in. Living with his aunt Olga (Zoe Saldaña), who is an ambitious space analyst, has put some of her professional aspirations on hold to care for Elio, but she struggles to fill the role as a parental figure, making him feel like more of a burden than a welcomed presence. Regardless of her intentions, Elio can’t shake off this feeling.

He yearns for an encounter with extraterrestrials. One day, he devises a clever plan to send a message into space, making the inhabitants of the Cosmos believe that he represents Earth as a whole. When they invite him to their space complex as a potential member, he’s thrilled at the prospect and pretends to be the leader of Earth. However, his deception almost goes unnoticed until he’s challenged by the fierce Lord Grigon (Brad Garrett). But how can Elio shield the Cosmos from Grigon, while simultaneously helping Grigon’s more peace-loving son Glordon (Remy Edgerly) defy his father?

Animation that’s either gorgeous or boring, nothing in between

From the get-go, I must admit that the striking contrast between the animation styles of “Elio” caught my eye straight away. The space vistas are jaw-droppingly beautiful, and each alien character is meticulously designed with a burst of creativity. Those space worms Grigon and Glordon hail from, they’re adorable little larval creatures who conceal their squishy, vulnerable flesh in armor reminiscent of Iron Man when they mature!

However, while the alien elements are as inventive as a cosmic storm, “Elio” seems to have taken a shortcut with its human characters. Elio and his Earthling counterparts possess an animation style that’s run-of-the-mill, and his character design makes him look like a toddler in a grown-up’s body.

As a fan, I found certain scenes in the movie that showcased an offbeat humor, which helped make “Elio” stand out, especially when it came to his interaction with his eerily nonchalant clone who seemed unfazed by his own demise. However, despite these brief, intriguing quirks, the storyline often chose to play it safe and moved away from those eccentricities rather swiftly. It’s a pity because these unique moments were some of the film’s strongest points, and in a movie centered around a peculiar boy yearning for alien abduction, I wished they hadn’t been so hesitant to push the boundaries a bit further.

Narrative woes in spite of a lovely message

The film “Elio” appears to follow a three-act structure, but requires some refinement. It initially delves too deeply into repetitive scenes that emphasize Elio’s loneliness and yearning to encounter extraterrestrials, which could be condensed using a brief montage. As the narrative progresses and Elio embarks on his space journey, striking peace agreements, the pace quickens significantly. This leaves us wanting more interaction with the Communiverse inhabitants, and the space-centric storyline feels hurried. The film would have been improved either by extending its runtime (currently around 90 minutes, leaving room for adjustment) or by rearranging the timeline to minimize Earth scenes at the start. Consequently, it seems somewhat hasty, suggesting it could have profited from additional development stages.

Despite its unique setting, “Elio” retains Pixar’s signature emotional depth. The film skillfully combines the concept of space exploration, representing Earth’s longing to connect with others in the cosmos, with Elio’s profound loneliness following his parents’ demise. However, as the story unfolds, it becomes clear that Elio is not alone; he encounters individuals who accept and cherish him for who he truly is. This message serves as a heartwarming reassurance to young viewers who may struggle with feelings of isolation at school or home. The friendships Elio forms, particularly with the lovable and ever-optimistic character Glordon, further strengthen this poignant theme.

As a dedicated admirer, I must confess that “Elio” has its appealing aspects, yet it doesn’t quite ignite our passions either. The characters are wonderfully crafted, some of which have us yearning for a plushie version immediately, but others could’ve used more screen time to truly shine or were left slightly underdeveloped. Pixar, renowned for their innovative storytelling and creative flair, seems to have taken a more cautious approach with “Elio,” perhaps fearing to venture too far from the beaten path in this era of sequels.

However, when it comes to emotional resonance, “Elio” delivers solidly. It’s a comfortable watch that kids can enjoy for an hour and a half, especially those captivated by space. Regrettably, it often seems as if it holds back just when it’s about to explore something truly intriguing.

“Elio” lands in theaters on June 20. 

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2025-06-17 20:30