When we’re lonely, we instinctively seek connection with those around us. But Elio, our young protagonist, looks far beyond Earth in his search for belonging… out into the cosmos.
In doing so, the film draws a striking parallel between his personal isolation and humanity’s biggest question: Are we alone? As a species, we’ve always looked to the stars, sending signals deep into space in the hopes of making contact. Of finding a friend (an alien one, of course).
If you’ve seen the trailer for Elio, you’ll know that yes, aliens do exist in this film. And our hero finally finds the extraterrestrial connection he’s been longing for.
But Elio doesn’t stop there (it wouldn’t be a Pixar film without that signature sincerity, right?). The story also suggests that forging meaningful connections with the people already in our lives might be even more important. And it still doesn’t stop there. Because maybe life is a little bit of both. Treasuring the love we sometimes take for granted is just as vital as seeking new connections.
Naturally, all these heartfelt Pixar values come wrapped in stunning visuals, humour, action, and overall cosmic fun that the whole family can enjoy. Which makes it kind of a shame that many of the physical character designs feel underwhelming and ultimately forgettable.
(Though, I’ll be damned if merch sells out after this gets posted.)
And forgettable might be Elio’s only (and perhaps greatest) enemy in becoming a classic. While it’s a good ride, Elio might not be the film you’d instantly turn to on Disney+ when you need a comfort Pixar movie to ease a lonely Sunday afternoon.
That being said…
Elio is out now in theatres, and is the perfect watch to keep the whole family entertained this school holiday season!