Elio (2025) Movie ft. Adrian and Madeline
Pixar Animation Studios takes us on another space adventure with Elio, hitting theaters on June 20, 2025. This animated sci-fi comedy brings together directors Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, and Adrian Molina for Pixar’s 29th theatrical release. The film stars newcomer Yonas Kibreab as Elio, alongside Zoe Saldaña, Brad Garrett, and Jameela Jamil.
Plot Overview
Elio Solis is an 11-year-old space fanatic living with his Aunt Olga after losing his parents. Olga, an Air Force major, gave up her astronaut dreams to raise her nephew. The story kicks off when Elio visits an air and space museum and becomes fascinated by the Voyager space program.
Things get wild when Elio’s wish to meet aliens actually comes true. Through a case of mistaken identity, he gets transported to the Communiverse, an intergalactic organization where everyone thinks he’s Earth’s ambassador. Now this lonely kid must navigate alien politics, form bonds with strange creatures, and somehow prevent an interplanetary crisis.
Cast and Voice Acting
Yonas Kibreab does solid work as Elio, capturing both the character’s loneliness and his excitement about space. His performance feels genuine, especially in the emotional scenes where Elio deals with grief and finding his place in the world.
Zoe Saldaña brings warmth and strength to Aunt Olga. Her military background adds credibility to the character, while her caring nature makes their relationship believable. Given her experience in Avatar and Guardians of the Galaxy, she fits perfectly in this space setting.
The supporting cast creates distinct personalities for the various alien characters. Brad Garrett and Jameela Jamil add humor and heart to their extraterrestrial roles.
Direction and Visuals
The three-director team creates a visually stunning universe filled with creative alien designs. The Communiverse looks amazing, with each alien world having its own unique style and architecture. I was impressed by how they balanced intimate character moments with spectacular space sequences.
The animation quality showcases Pixar’s technical excellence. The alien creatures are imaginative and well-designed, each with their own movement patterns and personalities. The space scenes are particularly impressive, capturing the vastness of the cosmos while keeping focus on character development.
What I Liked
The emotional core of the story really works. Elio’s journey from isolation to confidence feels authentic, and the film handles themes of grief and healing with sensitivity. The relationship between Elio and Aunt Olga provides genuine heart to the adventure.
I appreciated the creative alien designs and the world-building of the Communiverse. Each species feels unique and thoughtfully created. The film’s message about finding belonging and embracing what makes you different resonates well.
Rob Simonsen’s musical score enhances both the emotional moments and the cosmic adventure perfectly. The technical achievements continue Pixar’s tradition of pushing animation boundaries.
What Could Be Better
The story follows some predictable patterns that make certain twists feel expected. I found myself anticipating plot developments, which reduced the impact of key moments. The pacing occasionally feels uneven, especially when switching between action sequences and character development.
The intergalactic politics sometimes overshadow the personal story at the heart of the film. While the supporting alien characters look great, they could have used more personality development. Some sequences feel longer than necessary and could have been tightened.
Critical Reception and Ratings
The film has received generally positive reviews from critics, though it’s not being hailed as a Pixar masterpiece. Metacritic gives it a score of 61, indicating mixed to positive reception. Critics praise the film’s emotional themes and visual creativity while noting predictable storytelling.
Rotten Tomatoes shows that most critics find the movie thoughtful and entertaining. Review sites highlight the film’s family-friendly charm and inventive designs, though some criticize uneven pacing and familiar story beats.
Box office projections suggest a $30 million opening weekend, which would make it one of Pixar’s weaker theatrical debuts. This reflects the challenging market for original animated content.
Final Thoughts
Elio delivers solid family entertainment without reaching Pixar’s greatest heights. While the story feels familiar at times, the film succeeds in creating genuine emotional moments and impressive visual spectacle. The themes of resilience and finding your place in the world work well for audiences of all ages.
I think families will enjoy this cosmic adventure, especially kids who feel different or disconnected. The film’s blend of humor, heart, and spectacular visuals makes it worth watching, even if it doesn’t break new ground in animated storytelling.
For parents looking for quality entertainment with positive messages, Elio offers a worthwhile theater experience. It’s not revolutionary, but it’s a well-crafted story about courage, belonging, and discovering your true potential among the stars.
