Elio Review: Earth’s Ambassador
- NFD NEWS
- Jun 19
- 2 min read
Pixar’s Elio is a heartwarming, intergalactic triumph—blending sci-fi spectacle with classic Pixar soul. Directed by Adrian Molina (Coco), this film takes a bold narrative swing and lands it with charm, humor, and a surprisingly emotional payload.
The story follows 11-year-old Elio, an imaginative but lonely boy who accidentally becomes Earth’s ambassador to the United Nations of the Universe. What starts as a cosmic mix-up turns into a coming-of-age journey filled with alien diplomacy, identity crises, and genuine emotional depth. It’s classic Pixar—but with a cosmic twist.
Elio himself is instantly lovable. He’s not your typical hero—he’s anxious, awkward, and unsure of himself—but that’s what makes his arc so rewarding. His relationship with his mom, Olga (voiced wonderfully by America Ferrera), anchors the film in emotional realism even as the narrative flies light-years away.
Visually, Elio is stunning. The alien worlds are imaginative, colorful, and full of personality. Pixar once again proves it’s unmatched when it comes to visual storytelling. The creature designs are particularly delightful—each one expressing emotion and humor without ever falling into cliché.
What elevates Elio is its message: that vulnerability and empathy are strengths, not weaknesses. It’s a powerful theme for a younger generation and resonates just as strongly with adults.
If there’s any fault, it’s that some pacing in the second act feels a bit rushed. But the film sticks the landing, with a beautiful third act and a closing scene that leaves a lump in your throat.
Pros:
Emotionally rich and universally relatable
Creative alien world-building
Beautiful visuals and strong performances
Cons:
Slight pacing hiccup in the middle
Verdict:
Elio is another Pixar classic—full of heart, imagination, and cosmic wonder. A story about feeling out of place that ends up making you feel right at home.
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