Sometimes, when we run from home, it can show us what it means to truly live.

In Elio, Elio is a young man who has been through a lot. After losing his parents, he feels the need to call out to the universe for answers. But this time, the universe calls back. After he achieves his dream of being abducted by aliens, Elio finds himself as Earth’s representative to the Communiverse, an intergalactic organization dedicated to peace and harmony. However, when an alien aggressor threatens universal peace, Elio must navigate the crisis and learn who he is truly meant to be in the process.

SPACE FANATIC – Elio (voice of Yonas Kibreab) is a space fanatic with an active imagination who finds himself on a cosmic misadventure where he must form new bonds with eccentric alien lifeforms, navigate a crisis of intergalactic proportions and somehow discover who he is truly meant to be. Directed by Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi and Adrian Molina, and produced by Mary Alice Drumm, Disney and Pixar’s “Elio” releases in theaters June 20, 2025. © 2025 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

With Elio, Pixar offers a refreshing original story that properly blends its unique animation style with emotional character drama. Admittedly, because characters look similar to Luca or their recent series Win/Lose, there isn’t a lot that feels new at first glance. However, one has to admit that the film truly come alive when experienced in 3D. While I’m not always a huge fan of the format, Elio’s colours and characters truly pop onscreen with the added benefit of that third dimension. The depth of space feels ominous and threats feel greater when we’re immersed within them. At the same time, the added texture makes scenes within the ‘communiverse’ let their colours pop with vibrancy.

But, don’t get me wrong. Elio can go dark when it wants to.

FAST FRIENDS – When Elio’s wish to be abducted by aliens actually comes true, he meets an array of space inhabitants, including Glordon, the tender-hearted son of a fierce warlord ruler. Together, they journey throughout the Communiverse, partake in endless treats and become fast friends. Featuring the voices of Yonas Kibreab and Remy Edgerly as Elio and Glordon, respectively, Disney and Pixar’s “Elio” opens in theaters June 20, 2025. © 2025 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Having lost both parents in a tragic accident, Elio is a young man who’s lost between worlds (literally). After being shipped to his aunt’s, he feels as though his life has been ripped from him. As a result, Elio is left looking for answers. His parents were his safety net and their loss leaves him feeling empty.

And that’s what makes space feel so appealing. When the opportunity to be abducted arises, Elio fully dives in. After all, anywhere feels better than home. And the chance to start a new life amongst alien races seems like a place to start over. (Also, after also being highlighted in The Life of Chuck, is Carl Sagan having a cinematic moment?) Unable to deal with the hurt and anger within his heart, Elio believes that he needs to find a new community that sees him as important. To him, this is an untapped frontier where nobody knows his name. But, as a result, it also has the potential for our young hero to prove to them all that he matters.

After all, in space, no one can here you cry.

ALIEN BONDS – Elio (voice of Yonas Kibreab), a space fanatic with an active imagination, finds himself on a cosmic misadventure where he must form new bonds with eccentric alien lifeforms, eccentric alien lifeforms, including Glordon (voice of Remy Edgerly), a tender-hearted princeling. Directed by Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi and Adrian Molina, and produced by Mary Alice Drumm, Disney and Pixar’s “Elio” releases in theaters June 20, 2025. © 2025 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

As such, Elio works beautifully as a metaphor for dealing with trauma. Without giving spoilers, it’s fascinating to see that the ways characters attempt to keep their ‘soft side’ hidden (both metaphorically and literally) in an effort to protect themselves. Here, any sign of genuine emotion translates into weakness. And weakness means they’re vulnerable.

And there’s nothing more terrifying than being vulnerable.

On this level, the film truly thrives. Pixar has always excelled when it sits with real world problems in an otherworldly space. In this way, Elio feels genuine as it tries to sit with the difficulties of grief, especially as it pertains to kids. What’s more, there’s a fascinating conversation here to be had about the way that male bravado is used as a way to hide one’s true feelings. (Seriously, the use of ‘armour’ here is an incredibly powerful metaphor.)

MEET ELIO – Elio (voice of Yonas Kibreab), a space fanatic with an active imagination, finds himself on a cosmic misadventure where he must form new bonds with eccentric alien lifeforms, navigate a crisis of intergalactic proportions and somehow discover who he is truly meant to be. Directed by Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi and Adrian Molina, and produced by Mary Alice Drumm, Disney and Pixar’s “Elio” releases in theaters June 20, 2025. © 2024 Disney/Pixar. All Rights Reserved.

Even so, there does seem to be something… missing from Elio in spots. Despite solid writing and animation, there are moments when the film doesn’t always work. A storyline regarding Elio’s alien friend doesn’t always flow and the third act admittedly feels a bit rushed.

While these are minor quibbles, it does prevent the film from elevating to the heights of Pixar’s best works. Even so, Elio does prove to be both an enjoyable and emotional ride from the House of Mouse. It’s stunning, serious and, often very funny. It’s just not quite out of this world.

Elio is available in theatres on Friday, June 20th, 2025.