In an era where Disney’s marketing machine usually roars, Elio has snuck into theaters with barely a whisper. Unless you were at Cinecon or deep into movie news, you probably didn’t know Pixar’s latest animated film even existed. But here we are, and Elio has landed – a story about a kid unexpectedly thrust into the role of Earth’s ambassador in an alien council after being mistaken for a world leader. At first glance, it feels like an odd concept. What kind of message is a kid escaping reality by getting abducted by aliens? But stick with it, and you’ll find a surprising emotional core and some good ol’ Pixar charm.
Elio centers around a boy who’s lost both parents and is now being raised by his overwhelmed aunt. Feeling isolated and misunderstood, he’s more than willing to escape his world – quite literally. When aliens mistake him for Earth’s ambassador, he’s forced into the kind of galactic diplomacy no one else wants to do. That must feel like pulling teeth – or negotiating down an internet bill. Which, oddly enough, is where Rocket Money comes in. This all-in-one personal finance app helps you track subscriptions, lower bills, and manage finances. We’ve all subscribed to a service and forgotten to cancel it – Rocket Money makes it easy to spot and stop those money leaks with just a few taps.
Back to the movie: once Elio is in the thick of alien politics, the Pixar magic starts to shine. He meets quirky characters, including a worm-like companion reminiscent of Heimlich from A Bug’s Life, and faces off against a villain who’s more sympathetic than expected. Though some of the alien side characters feel forgettable, the emotional arcs – especially around family, identity, and belonging – are where Elio finds its voice. It’s not just about escaping Earth, it’s about finding your place in the universe and, ultimately, back home.
The film’s first half may frustrate viewers, especially in how Elio’s aunt handles things, but it redeems itself with emotional weight in the second half. The message? That even in the vast unknown, the bond between family and the importance of home still reigns supreme. Some jokes may fall flat, and the dialogue can feel uneven – perhaps a symptom of multiple writers and directors – but the 90-minute runtime keeps things simple and tight. It doesn’t try to be a grand epic, and that’s its strength.
So is Elio worth the trip to the theater? For a family of four, the $60+ price tag might be a stretch. It’s fun, it’s heartfelt, but perhaps best saved for streaming. Still, it’s a reminder of what Pixar can do when it dares to be weird, small, and full of heart – even if the marketing forgot to show up.
Jenifer
