Elio ★★★

Released: 20 June 2025

Director: Domee She, Madeline Sharifian and Adrian Molina

Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldaña, Remy Edgerly, Brad Garrett, Jameela Jamil, Shirley Henderson and Brendan Hunt

Pixar’s latest outing has finally beamed into cinemas, but with surprisingly little fanfare from Disney and the beloved animation studio. Their latest sci-fi alien adventure – featuring an increasingly rare original story hot on the heels of two live-action remakes – really deserves more promotion from the house of mouse, as it’s a charming and out-of-this world tale from Turning Red’s Domee She and Coco’s Madeline Sharifian and Adrian Molina. In an industry ever reliant on sequels and live-action remakes, Elio is a rare gem of an action adventure – even if it does fall slightly short of expectations.

Obsessed with being abducted by aliens, eccentric orphan Elio’s (voiced by Yonas Kibreab) antics are increasingly landing him – and his exasperated aunt/guardian Olga (Zoe Saldaña) – in trouble. That’s until his ultimate dream comes true and he’s transported to the harmonious intergalactic alien council known as the Communiverse. Mistaken as Earth’s leader, Elio faces his biggest challenge yet – to help resolve a looming crisis of galactic proportions between the council and the violent ruler of Hylurg, Lord Grigon (Brad Garrett), by befriending his adorable son Glordon (Remi Edgerly).


Pixar once again heads to infinity and beyond for their latest big screen foray, exploring strange new worlds with their signature blend of heartfelt storytelling and incredibly creative visuals. Along with a fun alien adventure and amusing cloning hijinks, at its core is a refreshingly optimistic message of finding our place in an increasingly confusing and conflicted world. “Unique can sometimes feel like alone,” one wise alien tells Elio, with the film feeling like a love letter to individuality and found families.

There’s also a sincere mediation on grief, loss and loneliness, which will undoubtedly resonate with many audiences. But despite a strong start, the third act feels somewhat rushed and unfortunately the studio once again relies on overly familiar beats. Furthermore, the film shares plenty of thematic, narrative and character similarities with Disney’s beloved alien adventure, Lilo & Stitch.

Thankfully, Elio is a hugely endearing and nuanced protagonist, with Yonas Kibreab injecting a real verve to the young character. His unlikely friendship with Glordon (Remi Edgerly) is undoubtedly the film’s highlight, with the pair sharing a charming and incredibly amusing dynamic. Pixar has struck gold with Edgerly’s Glordon, as the adolescent Hylurg proves one of the studio’s cutest characters in years. However, it’s the fascinating exploration of the complex parent-child dynamics which proves the heart of the film, offering a fresh perspective on intergenerational tension and expectations. The Glordon-Grigon relationship in particular is surprisingly more tender and grounded than expected, which makes sense coming from Turning Red director Domee She.

Alongside the heartfelt journey of self-acceptance is one of Pixar’s most vibrant and spectacular creations yet – the Communiverse – which rivals Soul for its inventive and incredibly detailed environments. The film truly comes alive following Elio’s abduction, as viewers are taken on an out-of-this-world adventure filled with a cosmic sense of awe and wonder, with a multitude of wacky and inventive extraterrestrial species and unique devices. Based on a Tardigrade and resembling a cuter creeper from Mickey 17, Glordon is by far the cutest of the character designs, but there’s so many imaginative Communiverse members, including Jameela Jamil’s incredibly graceful Ambassador Questa. Elio’s costume upgrade is also a fun addition (loving the cape, boots and sash combo!) and is based on an amusing cape competition at Pixar HQ.

This wouldn’t be a Pixar film without a few fun easter eggs and nods though, and alongside the iconic Pizza Planet truck and the number “A113”, is a fun nod to Terminator 2, plus a voice cameo from none other than Star Trek Voyage‘s Captain Kathryn Janeway, aka Kate Mulgrew. The classic sci-fi inspirations of Alien, Contact and Close Encounters of the Third Kind are also apparent throughout, particularly in one surprisingly horror-esque sequence involving Glordon and Elio. There’s also a thrilling space ship sequence in the third act which will have viewers on the edge of their seats, along with a wonderfully atmospheric and inspiring score from Rob Simonson.

Elio is a visually striking and incredibly inventive adventure into outer space, with a sprinkling of Pixar’s hopeful and heartfelt storytelling. His journey isn’t about saving the world (although he certainly gives it a good try!) but finding his place within it, alongside his newfound intergalactic friends. And yet, unfortunately it’s lacking in originality, sharing many beats with similar Disney fare. Still, it’s an incredibly wholesome watch and Glordon is the best character Pixar has produced in some time. Ok, bye, I love you!