A PIXAR JOURNEY THROUGH
GRIEF, GROWTH, AND GALAXIES
In 2024, Pixar Animation Studios brought audiences back into the mind of Riley with Inside Out 2, the highly anticipated sequel to their 2015 hit. Directed by Kelsey Mann and featuring the voice talents of Amy Poehler, Phyllis Smith, Lewis Black, Maya Hawke, Tony Hale, Liza Lapira, and Ayo Edebiri, the film followed a now-teenage Riley navigating the turbulence of puberty, just as her original core emotions are joined by a new batch eager to take control. Released on June 14, 2024, Inside Out 2 was met with widespread acclaim from critics and audiences alike, praised for its heartfelt storytelling, themes, humor, and strong vocal performances. It went on to gross approximately $1.69 billion worldwide, breaking numerous box office records, becoming both the highest-grossing animated film of all time and the top-grossing film of 2024. Now, a year later, Pixar Animation Studios (in collaboration with Walt Disney Studios) launches its latest feature: Elio, directed by Adrian Molina, with story contributions from Madeline Sharafian and Domee Shi. But does this cosmic tale soar into animated greatness, or does it crash-land under the weight of its scattered narrative?
THE STORY
Following the loss of his parents, young Elio Solis (Yonas Kibreab) is sent to live with his Aunt Olga (Zoe Saldaña), a high-ranking U.S. military officer tasked with leading efforts to clean up Earth’s growing space debris fields. A shy and reclusive boy, Elio struggles to connect with others and finds comfort in his fascination with outer space and alien life. Longing for escape, he secretly devises a way to send a message into the cosmos—hoping for a response from beyond the stars. To his shock, one arrives: a mysterious spaceship lands and whisks him away. Elio soon finds himself among the members of the Communiverse, a cosmic coalition of alien civilizations, where he is mistakenly identified as the official representative of Earth. Rather than correct the misunderstanding, Elio embraces the role, thrust into a high-stakes diplomatic mission. Complications arise with the appearance of Lord Grigon (Brad Garrett), a volatile alien who was denied membership in the Communiverse and now threatens its peace. Elio is tasked with brokering a fragile truce, all while trying to conceal the truth about his identity. During his stay, Elio befriends Glordon (Remy Edgerly), Lord Grigon’s misunderstood son, and the two bond over their shared feelings of isolation and pressure. As tensions rise and the fate of intergalactic diplomacy hangs in the balance, both Elio and Glordon must confront the truth about who they really are—and what happens when you can no longer hide.
THE GOOD / THE BAD
I’ve always had a soft spot for animated films, always have, always will. Naturally, Inside Out 2 was one I was especially looking forward to. The original Inside Out remains one of my favorite Pixar films, perfectly capturing the studio’s signature blend of heartfelt themes, clever storytelling, and visual creativity. With a movie that beloved, the sequel had a high bar to clear.
For me, Inside Out 2 was a worthy follow-up that managed to recapture much of what made the first film special, even if it couldn’t quite bottle the same lightning twice. The animation is stellar—arguably even better than the original, and the voice cast, both returning and new, is top-notch. Still, the film follows a familiar formula, occasionally recycling beats from the original and leaning a bit too heavily on well-worn tropes. And while it delivers a few touching emotional moments, none quite surpass the heartbreak of Bing Bong’s farewell. That said, the concept of Riley facing adolescence and developing new emotions tied to teenage angst is a compelling evolution of the story and offers a genuine exploration of growing up.
Overall, Inside Out 2 is a solid continuation. It revisits Riley at a crucial point in her development, forcing her core emotions to confront change in ways that are both metaphorically rich and visually striking. It might not surpass the original, but it holds its own as a beautifully rendered and thoughtful sequel.
Which brings me back to Elio, Pixar’s 2025 animated feature and its latest original outing. To be honest, this movie sort of flew under the radar. I remember hearing about it when Pixar announced its upcoming slate, possibly during a D23 Expo, describing it as a story about a boy who gets swept into outer space. After that, though, news on the film was scarce. I caught the first teaser trailer, which set a theatrical release for March 1, 2024, but due to the 2023 SAG-AFTRA strike, Pixar delayed the film to 2025.
Strangely, Elio didn’t seem to get much of a marketing push. After the initial teaser, there was radio silence until a new trailer dropped in the spring of 2025. I didn’t see many TV spots, online ads, or promotional tie-ins either. It almost felt like Disney and Pixar chose not to invest in a full campaign, which, in my opinion, may have hurt the movie’s visibility during its release window.
That said, I did make it out to see Elio during its opening week, once I caught up on a few other reviews and cleared my schedule. So, what did I think? Honestly, I liked it. Despite some structural hiccups and an overabundance of side characters, Elio is a sweet, imaginative entry in Pixar’s animated library. It’s bursting with vibrant visuals, heartfelt storytelling, clever humor, and a strong voice cast. While it doesn’t quite soar to the heights of Pixar’s most iconic films, it still manages to deliver a touching and memorable journey, one that deserves its place among the studio’s more thoughtful original projects.
Elio is directed by Madeline Sharafian, Adrian Molina, and Domee Shi—three filmmakers who’ve each had significant prior experience working on various Pixar projects in a range of creative roles. With backgrounds firmly rooted in the studio’s storytelling DNA, the trio feels like a fitting choice to helm a project like this. They understand the emotional cadence expected of a Pixar feature and infuse Elio with those familiar, comforting beats, what some might call Pixar’s version of cinematic “comfort food.”
At its heart, the film stays true to the studio’s core philosophy: blending imaginative storytelling with heartfelt, character-driven emotion. With a writing team that includes Molina, Sharafian, and Shi, alongside Julia Cho, Mark Hammer, Mike Jones, Jesse Andrews, and Hannah Friedman, Elio is shaped into a sweet, emotionally grounded tale. It celebrates the “weird kid” in all of us, the outsiders, the misunderstood, the dreamers, who long to be seen, accepted, and loved. Elio’s passions, though eccentric to some, bring him joy and meaning, and that resonates. The film also touches on the enduring power of friendship (yes, as cheesy as it sounds), but it does so with sincerity and charm, adding to the movie’s emotional appeal. Visually and tonally, there’s a softness and cuteness to the presentation, making Elio easily digestible and genuinely endearing from start to finish.
Of course, the movie also contains the typical hallmarks of a Pixar production and an animated feature in general. There’s a fair amount of humor scattered throughout—some of it quite funny—and while not entirely original, the jokes mostly land and add levity in all the right places. There’s also a light dose of action and adventure, particularly in the sci-fi sequences, which help give the movie energy and momentum. Pacing-wise, the film moves briskly, which is a bit of a double-edged sword (more on that later). On the one hand, it keeps the story moving efficiently through its main plot and subplots without ever dragging. That’s especially helpful for younger viewers, making sure the film never feels slow or boring.
One of the standout aspects for me was the film’s use of outer space as both a narrative backdrop and a visual playground. Apart from WALL-E and Lightyear, Pixar hasn’t ventured too often into full cosmic territory, so it was refreshing to see a space adventure unfold in their hands. The concept of a young boy being abducted and taken to an alien coalition—filled with wildly imaginative creatures—feels both whimsical and wish-fulfilling. Maybe it’s the sci-fi nerd in me, but I thoroughly enjoyed the alien designs, interstellar set pieces, and the overall aesthetics that gave Elio its cosmic flavor.
Beyond its colorful space visuals, where Elio truly shines is in its layered thematic material and emotional resonance. Being a Pixar film, I fully expected a few heavy emotional beats, but Elio packs in more than most. Themes of loneliness and the desire for connection run deep, as Elio turns to space in a symbolic effort to escape grief and isolation. His love for astronomy becomes a coping mechanism after the death of his parents. Meanwhile, the film explores ideas of self-acceptance and authenticity through both Elio and Glordon, who struggle with hiding their true selves to fit in. The story also delves into diplomacy and the concept of “first contact,” using Elio’s accidental appointment as Earth’s representative to explore ideas of intergalactic cooperation and conflict resolution.
Additionally, the film reinforces the importance of family, friendship, and cultural unity. Aunt Olga’s balancing act between duty and guardianship reflects the challenges of modern parenting, while the Communiverse itself symbolizes the hopeful potential of global (or in this case, galactic) understanding and harmony. All of this is packaged in a family-friendly, animated wrapper, but the emotional weight is very real. In the end, Elio is a coming-of-age story wrapped in a space adventure, one that meaningfully explores the human condition through the lens of loss, love, identity, and belonging.
From a presentation standpoint, Elio is a visually stunning animated feature, one that proudly carries the Pixar tradition of animation excellence. As expected from the studio, Pixar continues to be a leading force in the world of animation, showcasing inventive techniques and artistic flair with every new release. Elio is no exception, offering a vibrant, colorful world with a distinct visual identity all its own.
While the human characters are animated with smooth movement and expressive design, it’s the aliens that truly steal the show. The animators clearly had fun crafting these extraterrestrial beings, blending exaggerated cartoonish designs with unique, otherworldly details. The results are both imaginative and visually delightful. The outer space setting itself is also a treat, bold, colorful, and full of visual texture that enhances the cosmic scope of Elio’s journey.
Credit goes to many of the film’s behind-the-scenes talents. Harley Jessup’s production design is rich and inventive, while art direction by Kyle Jones, Maria Lee, Ernesto Nemesio, Matt Nolte, and Kristan Norelius ensures that every scene pops with color and life. The animation team deserves major praise for bringing this imaginative world to life with such care and creativity.
The cinematography, handled by Jordan Rempel and Derrick Williams, adds another layer of depth to the visual storytelling. Their use of cinematic framing and thoughtful angles lends the film a dynamic quality, especially in its more emotional or dramatic moments. It’s a beautifully composed film from start to finish. Lastly, complementing the visuals is a fittingly whimsical and heartfelt score by composer Rob Simonsen. His music blends Pixar’s signature emotional tones with space-age wonder, helping to guide the film’s emotional rhythm and amplify its more adventurous moments. It’s a well-crafted soundtrack that supports the film without overpowering it, another solid addition to Simonsen’s growing body of work.
Unfortunately, there were some criticisms I had with Elio, elements that held it back from joining the ranks of Pixar’s most memorable hits like Inside Out, Toy Story, Finding Nemo, and Monsters, Inc. So, what didn’t quite work? For me, the biggest issue is that the film feels a bit low-key and lacks the spirited sense of adventure it could have achieved. While Elio certainly has the emotional depth and introspection expected from a Pixar film, emphasizing inner struggles and personal growth—it doesn’t fully capitalize on the vast outer space setting it introduces. There are glimpses of interstellar wonder and alien encounters, but the narrative doesn’t truly expand into the sweeping, imaginative adventure that the premise seems to promise.
To be clear, I wasn’t expecting a Star Wars-style space opera, but I was hoping for more narrative stakes, tension, or spectacle given the setting. Instead, the film remains grounded and restrained, with limited exploration of the world it builds. For a movie about alien coalitions and cosmic diplomacy, it never quite “lifts off” in the way it could have. There’s a gentleness to it that works emotionally, but also keeps the plot from reaching its full potential. It’s not bad, just a missed opportunity that could’ve added dramatic weight without sacrificing the film’s core heart.
Another area that didn’t quite land for me was the film’s short runtime. While the breezy pacing is appreciated, it also feels like Elio may have left too much on the cutting room floor. There are noticeable gaps in character development and narrative detail, certain story beats feel rushed, and some motivations or plot transitions come off as overly convenient or underexplored. This is particularly true of the side characters. While they’re visually distinctive and well-voiced, most don’t get the time or depth to contribute meaningfully to the story beyond their design or comedic value. In the end, it feels like the film could’ve benefitted from an extra 10–15 minutes to flesh out the world and its supporting cast. These aren’t fatal flaws, but they do hold Elio back from achieving the same narrative richness and scope as Pixar’s best.
What certainly helps elevate Elio, despite its flaws, is the strength of its voice cast, which delivers solid performances across the board. While some characters could have been written with more depth or given additional screen time, the voice actors inject personality and energy into their roles, helping to bring these animated figures to life.
Leading the film is Yonas Kibreab as Elio Solis, an eleven-year-old boy fascinated by outer space who’s mistakenly identified as Earth’s leader. Known for his roles in Sweet Tooth, Obi-Wan Kenobi, and Pupstruction, Kibreab might not be a household name just yet, but he’s quickly establishing himself as a promising young talent, especially in the realm of voice acting. He brings the right mix of youthful energy, humor, vulnerability, and sincerity to Elio’s character. His performance captures the emotional journey of a kid longing to be seen and accepted, and he fully sells the film’s core themes of identity, grief, and connection. Elio’s arc is easily one of the movie’s most compelling, and Kibreab’s voice work plays a big part in that success.
Opposite Elio is his aunt, Olga Solis, a no-nonsense Air Force major who steps into a parental role after Elio’s parents pass away. Voiced by Zoë Saldaña (Star Trek and Avatar), Olga acts as a grounding force for the story, struggling to connect with her nephew while managing the demands of her military role. Saldaña delivers a strong performance, bringing both authority and emotional warmth to the character. Her vocal delivery balances sternness, frustration, comedy, and heartfelt care, making Olga feel believable as a guardian trying to do her best in a difficult situation.
Interestingly, America Ferrera was originally cast as Olga but had to step away due to scheduling conflicts. While Ferrera likely would’ve done well in the role, especially given Olga’s design, Saldaña proves to be a great replacement, adding her own distinctive presence and charm.
Next is Glordon, the kind-hearted son of Lord Grigon and one of the film’s most endearing new characters. Voiced by Remy Edgerly (Sing 2 and Seal Team), Glordon is a quiet, misunderstood alien who, like Elio, is searching for connection. While he does serve as a bit of a narrative “MacGuffin” at times, his dynamic with Elio is touching, and Edgerly gives the character warmth and innocence. Their friendship is a highlight of the film, and Edgerly’s performance makes Glordon feel genuine and lovable, effectively complementing Kibreab’s Elio.
Rounding out the main cast is Brad Garrett (Everybody Loves Raymond and Ratatouille) as Lord Grigon, a bulky, armored, worm-like alien warlord and Glordon’s overbearing father. Grigon is imposing and visually striking, but I do wish the writers had given him a bit more narrative weight. He’s clearly meant to serve as a parallel to Olga, both are stern parental figures, but his potential as an antagonist feels slightly underutilized. Still, Garrett’s booming baritone is a perfect fit for the character, and his voice work gives Grigon a commanding, memorable presence.
The supporting cast includes Dylan Gilmer (Young Dylan and The Kids Tonight Show) as Bryce, a boy who shares Elio’s fascination with aliens; Jake Getman (A Girl Named Jo and American Dad) as Caleb, Bryce’s friend and Elio’s school bully; Brendan Hunt (Ted Lasso and Bless This Mess) as Gunther Melmac, a conspiracy theorist and Air Force analyst; and Tamara Tunie (Wall Street and Flight) as Colonel Markwell. Each adds a bit of personality to the film’s Earth-bound side of the story, even if their roles are relatively minor.
Next, the other supporting characters make up the alien ambassadors that live in the Communiverse and interact with Elio while he’s there. This includes actor Brandon Moon (Virtual Battles and Swamper) as the alien Ambassador Helix, actress Jameela Jamil (Love at First Sight and The Good Place) as the alien Ambassador Questa, actor Matthias Schweighofer (Army of the Dead and Resistance) as alien Ambassador Tegmen, actress Ana de la Reguera (Army of the Dead and Cowboys & Aliens) as alien Ambassador Turais, actor Atsuko Okatsuka (Fairview and Spider-Man: Across the Spider-Verse) as alien Ambassador Naos, actress Naomi Watanabe (The Promised Neverland and Sailor Moon Eternal) as alien Ambassador Auva, actress Anissa Borrego (This Is Us and Stop the Bleeding!) as alien Ambassador Mira, actress Shirley Henderson (Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire and Miss Pettigrew Lives for a Day) as the blue gelatinous liquid supercomputer on Communiverse named Ooooo, actress Shelby Young (American Horror Story and Persona 3 Reload) as the voice of the Diplo Ship, and Pixar veteran voice actor Bob Peterson (Up and Monsters Inc.) as the voice of Universal Users Manual. All of these characters were fun and unique and voiced solidly. The only criticism that I had with them was, most sort of are “in the background” for majority of Elio and I wished that had more involvement in the main plot of the feature.
Lastly, actress Kate Mulgrew (Star Trek: Voyager and Gargoyles) as the narrator of the Voyager 1 Museum Exhibit, while archival voiceover recordings from the renowned Carl Sagan, Professor of Astronomy and Space Science, was used in throughout the movie.
FINAL THOUGHTS
Searching for connection not on Earth, but among the stars, a young boy finds his voice and sets out on a journey of friendship, healing, and self-discovery in Elio. Directed by Madeline Sharafian, Adrian Molina, and Domee Shi, the film marks Pixar’s latest offering, one that leans into its softer, more tender storytelling instincts. The result is a heartfelt tale about identity, acceptance, and belonging, told with vibrant animation and sincere emotion. Yes, the movie has its flaws. Its narrative occasionally feels too low-key for its cosmic setting, and an overabundance of side characters makes the story feel slightly undercooked. Some moments move too quickly, and one can’t help but wonder what a longer, more refined version of this film might’ve accomplished. Even so, Elio still rises above these stumbles thanks to its emotionally resonant direction, accessible storytelling, meaningful themes, striking visual design, and strong voice performances throughout. Personally, I really liked this movie. It’s charming, heartfelt, and visually engaging—offering just the right mix of sci-fi whimsy and grounded emotional truth. While it may not reach the towering heights of Toy Story, Finding Nemo, Monsters, Inc., or Inside Out, it certainly stands above many recent animated offerings from other studios. My verdict: a solid “recommended.” It’s perfect for younger viewers with its colorful visuals and lighthearted tone, but it’s also a great pick for family movie night—appealing enough to keep adults entertained and emotionally invested. The film’s conclusion even leaves the door open for a sequel, which I would personally love to see, especially if it dives deeper into the sci-fi elements and follows Elio and Glordon’s growth into adolescence, much like Inside Out 2 explored Riley’s teen years. In the end, Elio may not shine as brightly as Pixar’s greatest hits, but it still twinkles with humor, heart, and humanity, proving that even the quietest stars can leave a lasting glow across the cosmos.
4.1 Out of 5 (Recommended)
The official website for Elio link: HERE
Released On: June 20th, 2025
Reviewed On: July 7th, 2025
Elio is 98 minutes long and is rated PG for some action / peril and thematic elements
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