Elio’s mixed reviews are a worrying sign of Pixar’s future

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A significant number of adults and children alike cherish memories tied to Pixar, be it their iconic hits or hidden treasures. Whether the first Toy Story movie was a favorite from your childhood or you introduced it to your own kids, hoping they’d grow fond of it, you were fortunate if it sparked in them an appreciation for Pixar’s early animation.

There’s been a shift in public perception towards the studio’s productions lately, and there are several possible explanations for this change. However, the underwhelming box office performance of “Elio,” which was generally considered an average film, has sparked questions yet again: What happened to the beloved Pixar we once knew?

Although Elio has received numerous positive evaluations and comments, it remains satisfactory, not exceptional. The film adheres closely to the familiar storytelling structure of Pixar, which they are recognized for by now. Primarily, it maintains its objective of appealing to families during the initial weeks of summer. However, it appears to miss a crucial element in achieving Pixar’s standard of excellence. It fails to offer anything fresh or thought-provoking.

There could be several explanations for this, but one possible reason is that Disney seems to have shifted its focus away from creating unique, captivating stories. Instead, the company appears more concerned with numbers and profits, favoring sequels and live-action adaptations over original ideas, as they hold greater potential for financial success. In essence, anything that doesn’t fit into these categories might as well be non-existent in their current business strategy.

It seems that Elio’s production fell under the category we’ll label as “already invested heavily, can’t stop now.” Disney had deemed films similar to it not worth producing anymore due to cost and time constraints, yet a significant amount of time and resources had already been put into it. Consequently, it had to be completed and released. The idea of an outcast child discovering acceptance might align well with Pixar’s style, but the execution falls short of the exceptional standards that many still expect from Pixar movies. It had potential to be outstanding, but in reality, it merely meets average expectations.

It’s unclear what this means for Pixar’s future, whether soon or years from now, as we won’t see another film like “Turning Red,” “Coco,” “Luca,” or “Elemental” (or “Soul”) in the traditional sense, unless a sequel is planned (which isn’t likely). Essentially, it seems Pixar might return to stories about white characters living ordinary lives. I won’t delve into the fact that “Inside Out” may have its lead character confirmed as straight in any potential future installments. If we’re not looking at a sequel, prequel, or spinoff, then it’s unlikely anything new will be produced.

Regarding Pixar, it’s hard not to view its current situation as a stark illustration of what occurs when corporate leaders prioritize profits over creativity. Elio, for instance, may be faltering for numerous reasons, but it’s not just the top executives who have lost faith in Pixar’s capacity to weave enchantment. The general public has too. We’re no longer flocking to watch their new releases. I’m included in that group. The question now is whether we’ll ever witness another masterpiece worthy of our devotion, and that remains a great unknown.

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2025-06-23 18:14