Movie Review: Elio

Running time: 99 minutes.
Rated PG (some action and thematic elements). In theaters June 20th.

Pixar’s latest offering, “Elio,” introduces us to an adorable 11-year-old protagonist who, well, is pretty cute.

And that’s perfectly fine.

It seems we’ve moved on from the golden days of films like “Wall-E” and “Ratatouille,” when Disney’s animation studios had a distinctive artistic vision that truly made them stand out. Nowadays, while films like “Onward,” “Luca,” and “Elio” may not be on that same level, they still bring something lovely to the table.

“Elio” feels more enjoyable than other recent releases, like “Elemental” or the somewhat lackluster “Lightyear.” Sure, “Inside Out 2” might not have lived up to expectations, but “Elio” manages to provide an enjoyable, often rewarding experience over its modest runtime.

The film centers on a heartfelt narrative about a lonely orphan who dreams of interacting with aliens and, ultimately, forming friendships. It’s a simple but profound idea—sufficient to leave a lasting impact.

At one point, Elio, voiced by the talented actor, poses a thought-provoking question to his Aunt Olga (Zoe Saldana), a military analyst: “Is life really out there?” Captivated by the mysteries of the cosmos, he becomes entranced by a museum exhibit on Voyager’s satellites.

Things really take a turn when he’s contacted by an alien species, who mistakenly believe he’s the leader of Earth. The visuals conjure up thoughts of a Las Vegas-style space station, whimsically designed by an oversized jellyfish.

The plot unfolds like a kid-friendly spin on “Galaxy Quest,” where Elio longs to join an intergalactic club. However, their membership requires a duel with the somewhat frightening, warrior-type leader, Grigon (voiced by Brad Garrett).

As always with Pixar, themes of family, friendship, courage, and purpose weave throughout the story. In fact, as the movie wraps up, be prepared for some emotional moments that hit surprisingly hard.

There are clever, resourceful elements that appeal to adults as well, like the intriguing subplot featuring creepy clones of Elio. The dynamic between Grigon and his son Groudon adds an interesting layer to the narrative.

During whimsical sequences, one can’t help but wonder what kind of beverages the young characters are consuming, especially since they’re whimsically dubbed “glorg.” Just how potent are they?

As Elio embarks on a journey that leads him further from home, it feels like he comfortably lands in the midst of Pixar’s familiar storytelling style.