✅ Elio (2025) is the latest animated feature from Disney and Pixar, presenting a heartwarming and humorous science-fiction adventure. The film introduces an imaginative but lonely 11-year-old boy who inadvertently becomes Earth’s ambassador to an intergalactic organization, embarking on a journey of self-discovery amidst eccentric aliens and cosmic challenges.
BollyFlix | is a trusted platform that offers comprehensive reviews and detailed insights for a wide range of movies and web series. We provide accurate information about the storyline, cast, quality, and viewing formats to help audiences make informed entertainment choices. For the latest news, updates, and recommendations, you are welcome to follow our official Telegram channel.
Elio (2025) – Movie Overview & Analysis-BollyFlix
Movie Details
- Full Name: Elio (2025)
- Language: English
- Budget: Estimated $150 million (production budget)
- Revenue: Targeting $50 million global debut (as of June 18, 2025)
- Runtime: 1 hour 39 minutes (99 minutes)
- Release Date: June 20, 2025 (USA)
- Genres: Animation, Adventure, Comedy, Family, Science Fiction
- Voice Cast: Yonas Kibreab (Elio Solis), Zoe Saldaña (Olga Solis / Aunt Olga), Jameela Jamil (Ambassador Questa), Brad Garrett (Lord Grigon), Remy Edgerly (Glordon), Shirley Henderson (Ooooo), Brandon Moon (Ambassador Helix), Young Dylan (Bryce), Jake T. Getman (Caleb), Matthias Schweighöfer (Ambassador Tegmen), Ana de la Reguera (Ambassador Turais), Brendan Hunt (Gunther Melmac).
- Directors: Adrian Molina, Domee Shi, Madeline Sharafian
- Screenplay: Adrian Molina (story by Adrian Molina, Mary Alice Drumm, Domee Shi, Madeline Sharafian)
- Studios & Producers:
- Production Companies: Pixar Animation Studios, Walt Disney Pictures
- Producers: Mary Alice Drumm
- Voice Cast: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldaña, Jameela Jamil, Brad Garrett, Remy Edgerly, Shirley Henderson, Brendan Hunt.
- Animation & Style: Computer-animated (CGI) with a vibrant, imaginative, and occasionally “weird and creepy” visual style that pushes Pixar’s typical boundaries, incorporating sci-fi horror references.
OFFICIAL IMAGES
Plot Summary
“Elio” introduces Elio Solis, an 11-year-old imaginative but introverted boy who struggles to fit in. He finds solace in his fascination with outer space, constantly observing the stars and dreaming of cosmic connections. His mother, Olga, is a brilliant scientist leading a top-secret project to decode signals from space. Unbeknownst to her, Elio’s yearning for connection inadvertently leads him to make contact with alien life forms. Through a cosmic mix-up, Elio is accidentally beamed up to the Communiverse, an advanced intergalactic organization where representatives from galaxies far and wide gather. Here, he is mistakenly identified as Earth’s ambassador to the universe. Forced to navigate this bewildering alien bureaucracy and interact with a colorful array of eccentric extraterrestrials, Elio must bluff his way through complex diplomatic situations. Amidst this extraordinary adventure, Elio is challenged to step outside his comfort zone, form unlikely bonds, and ultimately discover his true self and his place in the universe, all while trying to prevent an intergalactic crisis and find a way back home. The film explores themes of loneliness, belonging, the importance of expressing feelings, and finding one’s inner strength.
Cast & Crew
“Elio” features a talented voice cast bringing its unique characters to life under the collective direction of Adrian Molina, Domee Shi, and Madeline Sharafian. Yonas Kibreab voices the titular character, Elio Solis, carrying the film with his portrayal of an imaginative and introspective boy thrust into an extraordinary situation. Zoe Saldaña lends her voice to Aunt Olga Solis, Elio’s brilliant scientist mother who is grappling with her own professional and parental duties. The alien ensemble boasts an impressive lineup, including Jameela Jamil as the diplomatic Ambassador Questa, Brad Garrett as the formidable Lord Grigon, and Remy Edgerly as Glordon, Elio’s unexpected first alien friend. Other notable voice talents contributing to the Communiverse’s vibrant population include Shirley Henderson as the liquid supercomputer Ooooo, and Brendan Hunt as Gunther Melmac. The film is produced by Mary Alice Drumm and is a production of Pixar Animation Studios, known for their high-quality animation and emotional storytelling. The screenplay, primarily credited to Adrian Molina, builds upon a story developed by a team including Molina, Mary Alice Drumm, Domee Shi, and Madeline Sharafian, ensuring a cohesive vision for the narrative.
Critical & Audience Response
“Elio” has received encouraging early reviews from critics, indicating a generally positive reception. It holds a “certified fresh” rating on Rotten Tomatoes, with critics praising its emotional depth, imaginative animation, and themes of identity and belonging. Reviewers highlighted the film’s ability to blend cosmic adventure with heartfelt messages, with some calling it “exhilarating, tender, and heartwarming.” Yonas Kibreab’s energetic lead performance as Elio and the “pure” bond between Elio and Glordon have been particularly noted as strengths. Zoe Saldaña’s nuanced portrayal of Aunt Olga also received positive mentions. While some critics found the film started a bit slow, it ultimately won them over with its profound message and strong character bonding. The film has been commended for its ability to tackle complex emotions like loneliness and grief in an accessible way for families. It aims to push the boundaries of Pixar’s typical PG rating with “sci-fi horror references” and a “weirder and a little creepier” tone in parts, which has been seen as a fresh direction for the studio. Overall, the initial response suggests that “Elio” is another poignant and entertaining entry into the Pixar canon.
Direction & Cinematography
“Elio” is uniquely helmed by a trio of directors: Adrian Molina, Domee Shi, and Madeline Sharafian. This collaborative directorial approach likely contributes to the film’s multifaceted tone, blending heartwarming moments with comedic escapades and subtle sci-fi elements. Their collective vision guides the audience through the vast and imaginative alien worlds of the Communiverse, ensuring a consistent and engaging narrative flow. The cinematography, credited to Derek Williams and Jordan Rempel, is expected to be visually stunning, a hallmark of Pixar’s productions. It captures the wonder and grandeur of outer space and the intricate designs of the alien civilizations. The visual style uses dynamic camera movements to enhance the adventure sequences and more intimate framing to emphasize Elio’s emotional journey. The interplay of vibrant colors and innovative lighting techniques effectively distinguishes the various alien environments, creating a rich and immersive cinematic experience that supports the film’s themes of discovery and belonging.
Music & Background Score
The musical landscape of “Elio” is crafted by composer Rob Simonsen, known for his ability to blend emotional depth with genre-specific sonic textures. For a film that traverses between personal introspection and grand cosmic adventure, Simonsen’s score is crucial in setting the mood and guiding the audience’s emotional journey. The music likely features ethereal and expansive orchestral pieces to convey the vastness and wonder of space, complemented by more intimate and whimsical melodies for Elio’s personal discoveries and comedic interactions with the aliens. The background score effectively builds excitement during action sequences and provides a poignant underscore to moments of loneliness and connection. The soundtrack contributes significantly to the film’s unique atmosphere, ensuring that the audience is fully immersed in Elio’s extraordinary adventure, making the fantastical elements feel both magical and emotionally resonant.
Visuals & Special Effects
As a Pixar film, “Elio” sets a high standard for animation quality, visuals, and special effects. The film features breathtaking computer-generated imagery that brings the diverse alien species, futuristic technologies, and fantastical environments of the Communiverse to life with intricate detail and vibrant color. The visual effects are seamlessly integrated to create a believable yet imaginative world, showcasing Pixar’s mastery in character design, fluid animation, and environmental rendering. The design of the alien characters ranges from charmingly eccentric to subtly “creepy,” pushing the boundaries of Pixar’s visual style. The film’s visual language uses dynamic lighting, complex textures, and innovative spatial compositions to enhance both the comedic moments and the grand scale of the intergalactic adventure. From the nuanced facial expressions of Elio to the sprawling cosmic landscapes, every visual element is meticulously crafted to immerse the audience and convey the film’s central themes effectively.
Editing & Screenplay
The screenplay for “Elio,” primarily written by Adrian Molina based on a story he developed with Mary Alice Drumm, Domee Shi, and Madeline Sharafian, constructs a compelling narrative about self-discovery amidst a cosmic adventure. The script balances humor, emotional depth, and sci-fi elements, creating a story that is both entertaining for children and resonant for adults. It deftly handles the concept of Elio being mistaken for Earth’s ambassador, leading to numerous comedic situations while also exploring his deeper feelings of loneliness and desire for belonging. The editing, handled by Steve Bloom and Anna Wolitzky, is crucial in maintaining the film’s pace, ensuring that the transitions between comedic set-pieces, emotional revelations, and grand adventure sequences are smooth and impactful. It allows for the intricate plot to unfold clearly, keeping the audience engaged with Elio’s journey and the unfolding mysteries of the Communiverse. Despite potential challenges in a film with multiple directors and a complex narrative, the editing ensures a cohesive and well-paced cinematic experience.
Positives / What Works
“Elio” shines with its imaginative and vibrant animation, a testament to Pixar’s continued visual excellence. The film’s unique premise, placing a lonely boy in the heart of an intergalactic diplomatic crisis, provides a fresh and engaging narrative. The voice cast, particularly Yonas Kibreab as Elio and Zoe Saldaña as Olga, delivers heartfelt and nuanced performances that elevate the storytelling. Critics have lauded its emotional depth, especially its exploration of themes like loneliness, belonging, and the importance of self-acceptance, making it relatable for audiences of all ages. The blend of humor and poignant moments, along with subtle sci-fi horror references, showcases a willingness to push creative boundaries, resulting in a film that is both entertaining and thought-provoking.
Negatives / What Doesn’t Work
While generally well-received, some early reviews noted that “Elio” might start a bit slow, taking some time to fully engage the audience before hitting its stride. The complexity of the intergalactic bureaucracy and the multitude of alien characters, while imaginative, could potentially overwhelm younger viewers or those looking for a more straightforward narrative. Additionally, while the film attempts to incorporate “weird and creepy” elements, some might find these tonal shifts less consistent with Pixar’s traditional family-friendly approach, depending on individual preferences. The high expectations placed on Pixar films often lead to intense scrutiny, and some viewers might compare it to the studio’s earlier, universally acclaimed masterpieces, potentially finding it falls just short of that exceptional bar, despite being a strong film in its own right.
Final Verdict / Conclusion
“Elio” is a charming and visually impressive animated adventure that upholds Pixar’s legacy of combining imaginative storytelling with heartfelt themes. It offers a unique premise, strong vocal performances, and a vibrant animated world that is both humorous and emotionally resonant. The film’s exploration of loneliness and the journey to self-acceptance provides a profound message that is accessible to families. While it may take a moment to fully immerse its audience and navigates some adventurous tonal shifts, its overall positive reception indicates a successful and engaging cinematic experience. “Elio” stands as a commendable addition to Pixar’s filmography, delivering both spectacular visuals and meaningful storytelling that will likely appeal to a wide audience.
Movie Rating
Category | Rating (out of 5) |
---|---|
Story & Screenplay | ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5) |
Direction | ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5) |
Voice Acting & Performances | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) |
Music & Background Score | ⭐⭐⭐½ (3.5/5) |
Visuals & Special Effects | ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (5/5) |
Overall | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5) |
OFFICIAL TRAILER
FAQs
What is the plot of "Elio"?
Elio, an 11-year-old boy, is accidentally beamed up to an intergalactic organization, where he is mistaken for Earth's ambassador and must navigate alien challenges to discover his true self.
Who are the main voice actors in "Elio"?
The main voice cast includes Yonas Kibreab as Elio and Zoe Saldaña as Aunt Olga.