Elio

Elio ends up feeling like Pixar at its most generic with so many recycled beats and supposed emotional moments taken from any one of their other movies without any of the impact. The film just feels like it's trying to get those tears out of you from the very first scenes and it actually started to annoy me very quickly and annoying really is the main word I associate with this viewing experience. It feels so emotionally manipulative and as a result most of the beats fall completely flat. The script just seems to be allergic to subtlety and there wasn't a single resolution I didn't see coming from a mile away after the first 20 minutes. It got the odd chuckle out of me but for the most part I found the characters to be complete non-entities and outside of the main aunt-nephew relationship I don't think the film took enough time to build up it's dynamics. Even the visuals, which are admittedly impressive, still feel close to images we've seen in better Pixar movies but without any of real spectacle. This movie bored me and it annoyed me but for the most part I felt nothing whilst watching it and those my least favourite kind of movie watching experiences. It's abundantly clear at this point how good Pixar can be so that makes it even more frustrating when they make as much of a nothing movie as Elio as turned out to be.

I watched Elio, and honestly, it felt highly rushed. The movie spent more time building up Elio's plot and his life on Earth than it did on the actual space adventure - which should've been the heart of the story for growth. Even then, the space part lacked complexity, everything just felt short and underdeveloped. I know it's a kids' movie, but it still felt like it could've been much more. Kids are capable understanding some complex situations. Take WallE and monsters, Inc for example. Overall, it came off as rushed and missing the emotional or narrative weight it needed. I see the vision but it needed more.

There's something deeply satisfying about sitting down for a film and realising - thank god - it's not a reboot, not a sequel, not a reimagining of an 80s toy you forgot existed. 'Elio' is a brand-new Pixar original, and I liked that. The concept? Brilliant on paper. An 11-year-old boy accidentally becomes Earth's ambassador to an intergalactic council. It sets the stage for something wild, emotional, and full of imagination.

And it's cute. It really is. The alien designs are charming, the colours pop, and the relationship between Elio and his mum is genuinely lovely. There are moments that tug at the heart, and Glordon (his gooey alien pal) is an absolute standout.

But 'Elio' plays it painfully safe. It never fully commits to the weirdness or depth that the premise begs for. It follows a very familiar Pixar formula and never strays far from it. You can see every emotional beat and plot point coming a mile away.

This kind of story - kid feels like an outsider, gets whisked into a cosmic adventure, discovers they're more than they thought - has been done too many times, and better. Think 'E. T.', 'The Iron Giant', 'Lilo & Stitch'. 'Elio' doesn't quite hit those emotional highs or carve out a voice of its own.

That said, if you've got kids, take them - they'll have a great time. It's sweet, wholesome, and easy to watch. But if you're expecting something truly new or memorable, this one's probably fine to skip until it hits streaming.

Final Verdict: 🌟 Lovely to look at, but plays it too safe.

👶 Great for little ones.

📺 Best saved for Disney+.

Pixar's next original film is now here! And honestly, is a little underwhelming. For starters, it's a Pixar film with a theme! With other films like Lightyear or Luca. There's a theme in there, but it's not present like other films! This is one with that heart and theme that Pixar is known for! When it comes to the story or theme, it all feels like Lilo and Stitch. Alien story, kid who feels he doesn't belong. It all feels like Lilo and Stitch! The film makes sure you care for the main character. He's a fun character, and is the best part of this movie! There's a lot of fun to be had! Characters, story, it's fun! But fun is not Pixar. Pixar is known for there advanced storytelling, mature theme, mature storytelling. That's what makes Pixar, PIXAR. But with Elio, it still feels like a lot of recent Pixar films, Like Elemental. Where you like it, it's enjoyable. But is not the highs of Pixar. Saying something is solid, means it's one of Pixar's weakest films, such as Elio! There problem is, there's too many different story ideas there trying to tackle, that in the end. It's rushed, chopped together, but has heart. Again, not the Pixar that Pixar was, back in the day. I was expecting more, but for a Pixar film, it doesn't reach the highs it needs to reach!

A very entertaining film that's not just for kids - adults will find a lot to appreciate, too. The main character is incredibly sweet and deals with relatable, everyday issues in a heartfelt way.

Visually, it's beautifully animated as you'd expect from Pixar. It definitely resembles ,Luca' regarding its looks.

More importantly, the story touches on timely and meaningful themes: loneliness, grief, and how people from different backgrounds can come together when it really matters. It's thought-provoking without being heavy. Definitely worth watching, even if it's not among Pixar's absolute top-tier films.