‘Elio’ Review: A Colourful Intergalactic Journey About Family, Friendship And Finding A Place Where You Truly Belong

When thinking of Pixar and/or Disney films, the usage of vibrant colours, funny moments, and heartwarming scenes comes to mind. However, during the making of their latest endeavour, Elio, both studios threw those tried, tested, and much-used elements partly overboard. Yes, the images are still eye-catching, but the humour is, for the majority, replaced by the biggest emotions possible.

We haven’t been as emotionally invested in an animation since Inside Out 2. Right from the get-go, the trios of directors (Adrian Molina, Madeline Sharafian and Domee Shi) and writers (Julia Cho, Mark Hammer and Mike Jones) throw in heartbreaking topics such as the loss of both parents, feeling like you don’t belong on this planet, and people not truly seeing you. Whether or not you’ve ever felt that way, Elio’s (voiced by Yonas Kibreab) life story will have a profound impact on you.

While the dialogue can be quite on-the-nose and sickly-sweet sometimes, it’s a flaw we gladly ignore. Whether it’s because of the intensive re-writing process, as Elio’s mother was going to be his guardian instead of his aunt, or not, we don’t know, but don’t let the predictable conversations stop you from seeing this film. The movie’s inspirational messages about feeling alienated, having to say goodbye to loved ones too soon, or simply wanting to belong are too strong not to be witnessed and heard. They are the true heart of this movie, alongside Elio’s relationship with his relatives and (human) friends.

Given the inspiring themes and the film’s emotional depth, it’s clear that the filmmakers don’t see kids as an audience who want to watch unbridled fun (nothing wrong with that, though!). To them, the youngsters are more grown-up and emotionally invested in animation films than maybe to other directors. And for parents, it’s a fantastic reminder to give your loved ones the biggest hug every day because you never know when it will be the last time.

The eleven-year-old Elio himself didn’t know when would be the last time he could hug his parents, and while sadly, they’re gone, he’s able to live with his aunt Olga (voiced by Zoe Saldaña). While she’s doing everything she can to provide her nephew with the best care possible, she holds a major job as an astrophysicist. The filmmakers don’t shy away from portraying the struggle to balance a stressful job and family, and the effects it can have on both the parent (or aunt in this case) and the children. Parents might need to put their dream jobs on hold, while kids might feel lonely due to the long hours.

To deal with his loss and loneliness and to try to find a place in society, Elio keeps looking up at the planets in the hope that aliens will come and take him to “a place where people want him”. One day, his ultimate wish comes true as people from outer space take him on a colourful intergalactic journey to their Communiverse. If there are little green men out there, fingers crossed that they’re as adorable and welcoming as the ones Elio is about to meet.

While the colours used for the events happening on Earth are relatively dark, the CGI animation of Communiverse and its inhabitants is much more dynamic and vibrant. The usage of dark colours and vibrancy represents Elio’s sad feelings on Earth and the happy joy he feels in outer space, and Kibreab’s voice acting does that too impeccably. His energy is incredibly contagious, and he’s the perfect co-pilot for a life-changing trip. When arriving at his newfound home, Elio, who, due to a distorted S.O.S message, is considered to be the ruler of Earth, is welcomed by many beautiful creatures. Those include thought-reading sea creatures, incredible rock formations, oh-so-cute cloud-like aliens, and Glordon (voiced by the amazing Remy Edgerly, who makes his voice-acting debut), an adorable version of a Creeper.

When Elio meets them, especially Glordon, that’s when the movie finds its true identity. Their friendship allows Kibreab to deliver an even more compelling voice performance, while Edgerly brings a great deal of humour, silliness, and openness to this feature. Despite their friendship coming under pressure throughout the film, due to Glordon’s dad (Brad Garrett) wanting to rule Communiverse, the performances don’t crumble at all. A-stars such as Saldaña (Avatar: The Way of Water, Amsterdam) and Garrett (Monk, Wildflower) certainly are on point, but this movie truly belongs to the younger actors.

While the events happening both on Earth and outer space might be too straightforward – there’s nothing wrong with that – big emotions and creativity certainly aren’t the ones you see in every animation. The design of the aliens is breathtaking, while the emotional impact of the script is immense. Just like the most prominent astronauts, scientists and astrophysicists, Elio asks himself if we are alone, and let us tell you, when watching this film, you won’t feel alone. You will feel connected to everyone you’re watching this feature with and everything you see on screen.

Elio is out in cinemas on the 20th of June, courtesy of Disney