Star Cast (Voice): Yonas Kibreab (Elio Solis), Zoe Saldaña (Olga Solis), Remy Edgerly (Glordon), Brad Garrett (Lord Grigon), Jameela Jamil (Ambassador Questa), Shirley Henderson (OOOO), Ana de la Reguera (Ambassador Turais), Anissa Borrego (Ambassador Mira)

Pixar’s Elio is a dazzling animated adventure about a lonely 11-year-old boy mistakenly beamed to the Communiverse, an intergalactic UN.

Good Points:

• Stunning Animation: The visuals are breathtaking, showcasing vibrant alien worlds and creative character designs.
• Heartfelt Core: The film genuinely explores themes of loneliness, belonging, and finding connection.
• Strong Voice Performances: Yonas Kibreab and Remy Edgerly form a charming bond, making their friendship a highlight.
• Original Premise: It’s an original Pixar story, a welcome departure in a sequel-heavy landscape.

Bad Points:

• Predictable Narrative: The plot follows familiar beats, lacking the surprising emotional depth of Pixar’s best.
• Underdeveloped Supporting Characters: Many eccentric aliens lack significant development beyond their initial quirks.
• Pacing Issues: The story occasionally sags, especially in the middle, and can feel a bit drawn out.
• Subtle Themes Overly Verbalized: Some profound messages are explicitly stated rather than subtly conveyed.

While Elio is a visually impressive and well-intentioned film, it doesn’t quite reach the emotional heights of Pixar’s classics, proving to be more of a pleasant diversion than a groundbreaking experience.