Elio

🎬 General Info & Release

• Title: Elio
• Genre: Animated science fiction adventure with comedic and emotional beats LOS40+13Wikipedia+13Space+13
• Runtime: Approximately 98 minutes (about 1h 38–39min) Wikipedia
• Rating: PG
• Theatrical Release: June 20, 2025 (after a June 10 premiere at El Capitan Theatre) Wikipedia+14Wikipedia+14YouTube+14

🧒 Plot Synopsis

Elio Solís, an imaginative 11‑year‑old who feels out of place on Earth, obsessively hopes for contact with extraterrestrials. His wish comes true when he’s accidentally transported to the “Communiverse” and hailed as Earth’s ambassador. There, he befriends Glordon (a warlord’s son) and must navigate a brewing intergalactic conflict to prove himself worthy Reddit+10Pixar Animation Studios+10Wikipedia+10.

🎙️ Cast & Crew

• Voice Cast:
  • Yonas Kibreab as Elio Solís
  • Zoe Saldaña as Aunt Olga
  • Remy Edgerly as Glordon
  • Brad Garrett as Lord Grigon
  • Jameela Jamil as Ambassador Questa
  • Shirley Henderson as OOOOO Pixar Animation Studios+9Disney Movies+9Wikipedia+9
• Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, and Adrian Molina LOS40+13Disney Movies+13Wikipedia+13
• Writers/Story By: Julia Cho, Mark Hammer, Mike Jones (screenplay); story contributors include Adrian Molina, Sharafian, Shi, Cho People.com+5Wikipedia+5EW.com+5
• Producer: Mary Alice Drumm Fandango+4Disney Movies+4Wikipedia+4
• Music by: Rob Simonsen (soundtrack released June 20) EW.com+14Wikipedia+14Wikipedia+14

🧭 Themes & Emotional Core

• Belonging & Identity: Elio struggles with losing his parents and feeling disconnected, finding solace in the possibility of acceptance in outer space YouTube+4Pixar Animation Studios+4ABC7 New York+4.
• Creative & Visual Style: The Communiverse is vibrant, imaginative, and reflects Pixar’s traditional aesthetic—though some critics say it’s less groundbreaking than expected Pixar Animation Studios+8Attractions Magazine+8Parents+8.

📣 Reception & Box Office

• Critics: Mixed reviews:
  • A 3/5 from Attractions Magazine, praising its fun moments but noting a safe, somewhat disjointed narrative Pixar Animation Studios+14Attractions Magazine+14The Atlantic+14.
  • Vanity Fair felt the emotional depth was uneven and the storytelling lacked focus .
  • El País (Spain) appreciated the film’s emotional sensitivity though critiqued visual and narrative depth Reddit+3El País+3Wikipedia+3.
• Box Office: Underperformed for Pixar, marking their lowest opening weekend (~$20–21M domestically) and projected sub‑$100M total US gross The Atlantic. Critics link this to the shift from a more personal narrative to a “safer,” less distinctive storyline The Atlantic.
• Controversy: Allegations arose that Pixar cut queer-coded moments early in the film, softening the lead’s characterization—Adrian Molina reportedly removed from the directorship amid creative disputes Fandango+6Out Magazine+6The Atlantic+6.

✨ Trivia & Easter Eggs

• Packed with nods to other Pixar films: Pizza Planet truck, Coco poster, Luxo lamp, “Area 113” bag reference, and a teaser for the upcoming Hoppers People.com.
• Elio’s narrative draws inspiration from directors’ personal experiences, including first‑generation and childhood isolation themes Vanity Fair+9ABC7 New York+9Wikipedia+9.

🎥 Trailers & Visuals

The teaser and full trailers showcase Elio’s beach abduction, vibrant Communiverse, and heartfelt themes of self-discovery ABC7 New York+8YouTube+8Fandango+8.

📌 At-a-Glance Summary

In summary, Elio is a heartfelt and visually appealing Pixar original offering a unique spin on the alien-abduction genre. Despite its emotional core and imaginative world-building, it’s received mixed reactions for its storytelling execution and has faced box‑office challenges. Still—a personal journey of belonging that’s worth a watch for families and fans of Pixar’s more emotional sci-fi tales.