Elio Movie Review: A Heartfelt Cosmic Joyride That’s Pixar at Its Best

Elio (2025) is a heartwarming and imaginative Pixar adventure that takes audiences on a cosmic journey.

Image Credit: Pixar, Disney

Pixar’s Elio zoomed into theaters on June 20, 2025, and it’s a colorful, warm, sci-fi blast that feels like the studio’s back in its sweet spot. Directed by Domee Shi (Turning Red), Madeline Sharafian, and Adrian Molina (Coco), with Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldaña, and Remy Edgerly leading the voice cast, this 93-minute tale about a kid meeting aliens is packed with laughs, heart, and eye-popping visuals. It’s not perfect—sometimes it rushes—but it’s a total joyride that reminds you why Pixar’s the best at this. Here’s a chill, no-BS take on what works and what wobbles.

The Story: A Lonely Kid’s Cosmic Glow-Up

Elio follows 11-year-old Elio Solis (Yonas Kibreab), a space-obsessed kid who’s lost his parents and feels like he doesn’t fit in. Living on an Air Force base with his aunt Olga (Zoe Saldaña), a tough major who gave up her astronaut dreams to raise him, Elio’s more into chatting with imaginary aliens than making friends. He scribbles “Abduct me!” in the sand and messes with ham radios, hoping to phone E.T. When actual aliens beam him up to the Communiverse—a wacky intergalactic council—they think he’s Earth’s big boss. Suddenly, Elio’s stuck dealing with a grumpy warlord, Lord Grigon (Brad Garrett), and bonding with Grigon’s adorable, slug-like son Glordon (Remy Edgerly), all while figuring out where he really belongs.

It’s a coming-of-age story dressed up in a wild sci-fi adventure, with Close Encounters vibes and that classic Pixar heart. It’s less about saving the world and more about Elio tackling loneliness and finding his place, with a sprinkle of starry-eyed wonder.

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What’s Awesome: Visuals, Heart, and Glordon Stealing the Show

Man, this movie is gorgeous. Pixar’s animation is straight-up magic, with the Communiverse popping off in neon colors, trippy alien worlds, and quirky critters—like OOOOO (Shirley Henderson), a sassy liquid supercomputer, or a dude who talks through glowing orbs. The space scenes feel like a kid’s wildest dream, and little details, like Elio’s homemade cape of plastic forks and soda tabs, are so dang charming. If you can, catch it in 3D—it’s a visual feast that holds up with Coco or WALL-E.

The heart’s where Elio really shines. Yonas Kibreab kills it as Elio, making him a scrappy, lovable kid you can’t help but root for. His friendship with Glordon, a super-cute alien with family drama, is the movie’s soul—think Lilo & Stitch but in space. Remy Edgerly’s Glordon is a total gem, stealing scenes with his goofy charm. Zoe Saldaña’s Olga is warm and real as a guardian trying her best, and the rest of the cast—Jameela Jamil, Brad Garrett, Ana de la Reguera—brings the spark. The humor’s on point, with quick jokes and silly bits that crack up kids and parents alike, keeping that Pixar wit we love.

The story’s themes—feeling like an outsider, finding your people—hit you right in the chest without being sappy. Moments like Elio hearing Carl Sagan’s voice or chilling with Glordon are pure feels, and you might need a tissue by the end. It’s not Up-level tears, but it’s close. Fans are eating it up, calling it a “sweet, beautiful” story that’s “so pretty it hurts.”

What’s Not: A Little Rushed, A Little Safe

Elio’s not perfect. At 93 minutes, it feels a bit squeezed, and cool stuff like the Communiverse’s politics or side characters gets brushed over. The third act slows down with a bonding montage that drags, and the ending wraps up way too tidy. It’s more about Elio’s inner journey than epic action, so if you’re expecting The Incredibles-style thrills, you might feel shortchanged. Lord Grigon’s a basic bad guy, and bits like Elio’s random eyepatch from a camp fight feel forced to keep the plot moving.

Some folks call it “predictable,” leaning on familiar Pixar vibes like the kid running off or the makeshift parent deal. The ending’s cute but doesn’t take big risks, and Elio’s space obsession gets a bit sidelined for a safe “home is best” lesson. These are small gripes for a movie that’s all about heart, but they keep it from being a total home run.

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Why It’s a Blast

Elio nails that Pixar mix of wild ideas and big emotions. The sci-fi nods to Contact and Galaxy Quest, plus a touch of spooky charm, keep it fresh, while Elio and Glordon’s friendship is the warm hug you didn’t know you needed. It’s a shout-out to every kid who’s felt like they don’t fit, with enough laughs and visual dazzle to keep everyone smiling. It’s not Toy Story groundbreaking, but it’s way better than most animated flicks out there.

Final Take: A Starry, Feel-Good Hit

Elio is a fun, gorgeous, and super heartfelt sci-fi adventure that’s Pixar doing what it does best. Yonas Kibreab and Remy Edgerly light it up, and the Communiverse is a visual party you’ll want to crash. It’s a tad rushed, and the stakes could be bigger, but the laughs and heart make it a total win. Grab the fam, see it in 3D, and let this cosmic vibe lift you up—Glordon’s your new alien bestie.

Rating: 4/5 Stars