Self-discovery never felt more at heart in Elio. Finding our place in the world or fully accepting who we are can be one of life’s greatest challenges. Elio is a story that touches deep with stunning visuals while exploring different elements is relatable.
Directed by Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi and Adrian Molina, Elio is Disney and Pixar’s latest heartwarming adventure follows an imaginative and introverted boy who unexpectedly finds himself at the centre of the universe. From trying to be abducted to being abducted by aliens, Elio (Yonas Kibreab) is mistaken as the Ambassador of Earth and thrusted into the Communiverse, an interplanetary organisation made up of strange and vibrant alien species. Now, suddenly burdened with a role bigger than himself, Elio stumbles through his own challenges, alien politics and cosmic trails all while wrestling with the fear of not fitting in. Through Elio’s journey, he begins to realise that being true to himself is not only enough but is his greatest strength.
Elio speaks to the inner child in all of us. While it’s full of heart and wonder for kids to enjoy, it dives much deeper for the older audiences touching on themes of identity, belonging and courage. As Elio explores the galaxy alongside his unlikely new friend Glordon (Remy Edgerly), he begins to forge meaningful bonds and slowly sees himself for who he truly is.
It is the emotional growth and acceptance from both Elio and Glordon that remind us that no matter our differences, we all face similar trials. The feelings of not belonging, the weight of expectations and the search for connection. Their unexpected journey of self-discovery, friendship and embracing the love, drives us through this whimsical cosmic adventure, one that even had more than a few in tears.
Now, it’s a crime if you aren’t captivated by Glordon, our new intergalactic best friend. Just as Elio struggles to find where he belongs, Glordon faces challenges of his own. One that may hit close to home for adults who are still trying to find their way or those who still feel like they never lived up to their parents’ expectations, and that’s okay. Glordon reminds us that it’s not only okay to find our own voice but that we also have the strength and courage to chase dreams that are truly ours. Tradition isn’t always what’s right for us and that’s also fine. As Elio and Glordon comes to acceptance of their own families, they also show us that being different isn’t something to fix. It something to embrace. Their journey reminds us that we are all unique with endless possibilities and the courage to forge our own paths.
Visually Elio was an animation one must see in 3D. As someone who wears glasses, my first impression of this screening being in 3D was mixed. But the moment the Disney intro filled the screen, I was hooked. The magic of Elio truly came to life, and I genuinely felt like I was part of his journey though the cosmos. The experience was truly magnificent in 3D, capturing the intergalactic setting and visuals beautifully.
Personally, Elio was a bit of a touch and go experience. With its vibrant visuals and the immersive pull of 3D, the film leaned more towards an emotional resonance than light-hearted humour. At times, it felt that the film was speaking more to the grown-ups than the children, connecting with the older audience through its deeper themes rather than a light-hearted intergalactic adventure. While kids may see it as a fun, imaginative adventure tale of a boy and his alien best friend exploring the galaxy, adults are more likely to see reflections of their own inner child and the emotional journey that comes with growing into who you want to be.
Perhaps not all our childhood trauma can be healed through a single movie, but Elio gives us something to hold onto. Pixar’s ability to connect with their audiences, regardless of age, gender or walk of life once again shines through Elio, packed with its humour, stunning visuals whilst capturing the essence of identity, belonging and courage that we can all embrace in our own ways.
Elio reminds us that even if we don’t feel like we belong, we will always be able to find our place among the stars.