Elio (2025) Movie ft. Adrian, Yonas and Domee
Disney and Pixar’s latest animated adventure Elio takes audiences on an extraordinary cosmic journey that explores themes of belonging, identity, and connection. Directed by Madeline, Domee, and Adrian, and written by Julia, Mark, and Mike, from a story by Sharafian, Shi, Molina, and Cho, the film stars the voices of Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldaña, Remy, Brandon, Brad, and Jameela.
Plot Storyline
Elio, a space fanatic with an active imagination, finds himself on a cosmic misadventure where he must form new bonds with eccentric alien lifeforms, navigate a crisis of intergalactic proportions and somehow discover who he is truly meant to be. The narrative follows our young protagonist as he gets his wish granted in the most unexpected way possible.
The story expertly weaves together coming-of-age drama with science fiction spectacle. As Elio encounters various alien species and navigates diplomatic complexities, the film explores deeper themes about acceptance, courage, and staying true to oneself.
Cast Performance
The entire voice cast here is excellent… It pays off that Pixar found the right talent to bring these characters to life. Yonas Kibreab delivers a compelling performance as the titular character, capturing both wonder and vulnerability.
The voice cast also includes America Ferrera as Elio’s mother, Olga; Jameela Jamil as Ambassador Questa; Brad Garrett as Ambassador Grigon; and Jonas Kibreab as Elio. Zoe Saldaña, fresh from her Academy Award win, brings depth and warmth to her role. Brad Garrett’s distinctive voice adds gravitas to the alien ambassador character.
Direction and Visual Excellence
Pixar’s Elio is co-directed by three animation filmmakers: Adrian Molina (co-director on Pixar’s Coco), Madeline Sharafian (director of the Burrow Sparkshort), and Domee Shi (director of Turning Red and Bao short). This collaborative approach brings together diverse creative perspectives.
The visual design of alien worlds demonstrates remarkable creativity and attention to detail. The animation quality meets Pixar’s high standards, with fluid character movements and stunning cosmic landscapes. The directors successfully balance intimate character moments with spectacular space sequences.
Critical Reception and Ratings
On the review aggregator website Rotten Tomatoes, 87% of 84 critics’ reviews are positive. This strong critical reception indicates successful connection with professional reviewers.
You really feel connected to Elio, and there’s this powerful message about parents accepting their kids for who they truly are, not who they expect them to be. That part hit deep. Early audience reactions have been particularly positive regarding the film’s emotional resonance.
My Review Perspective
I found Elio to be a genuinely heartwarming experience that doesn’t talk down to its audience. The film’s willingness to tackle complex family dynamics through an intergalactic lens feels refreshing. What struck me most was how the cosmic adventure never overshadows the intimate character moments.
The three-director approach could have been messy, but I was impressed by how cohesive the final product feels. Each director’s strengths shine through – Molina’s musical sensibilities, Sharafian’s intimate storytelling, and Shi’s emotional depth create a unique directorial voice.
What Works Well
The film excels in character development and world-building. The character development was beautiful, the world-building was super fun, and the music tied it all together perfectly, according to early viewer feedback. The emotional core resonates strongly, particularly themes about parental acceptance.
The visual spectacle delivers on intergalactic adventure promises. Creative alien designs and stunning cosmic environments showcase latest animation technology. The humor balances well with serious themes, creating tone that appeals to both children and adults.
Areas for Improvement
A review of Elio, the latest animated movie from Disney Pixar, directed by Domee Shi and featuring Zoe Saldana. Some critics noted that while the film succeeds in many areas, certain aspects could have been developed further.
Pixar’s ‘Elio’ braces for a record soft opening. Box office projections suggest the film may face challenges in the competitive theatrical landscape. Some reviewers suggested certain plot elements could have been explored more deeply.
Public and Professional Reviews
Professional critics have generally responded positively to the film’s ambitious scope and emotional sincerity. Major entertainment publications have praised the animation quality and voice performances while noting success in addressing complex themes.
In the United States and Canada, Elio is scheduled to be released alongside 28 Years Later, and is projected to gross around $20 million from 3,750 theaters in its opening weekend. Despite box office concerns, critical reception suggests the film delivers on artistic merits.
Final Verdict
Elio represents another solid entry in Pixar’s catalog, successfully combining spectacular visuals with meaningful storytelling. While it may not revolutionize the studio’s approach, it demonstrates continued strength in character-driven narratives.
The film’s exploration of belonging through intergalactic adventure creates opportunities for both spectacular entertainment and genuine emotional connection. Strong voice performances and impressive animation quality ensure audiences will find plenty to appreciate.
For viewers seeking a space adventure with heart, Elio offers a compelling journey that balances cosmic visuals with intimate character development, making it a worthy addition to the Pixar library.
