Elio movie review: Pixar's space adventure about loneliness & vulnerability is a visual spectacle

Directors Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi and Adrian Molina of Elio have beautifully combined the beautiful and wildly imaginative space adventure tale with the theme of family and friendship, which explores the dynamics of vulnerability and loneliness read more
Director: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi and Adrian Molina
Star cast: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldaña, Remy Edgerly, Brandon Moon, Brad Garrett, and Jameela Jamil
During our childhood, almost every individual had curiosity about space, aliens and an imagination of transporting to another universe or planet.
Elio Solis (voiceover by newcomer Yonas Kibreab), an 11-year-old boy who has just lost his parents, stays with his aunt Olga (Zoe Saldaña) on a military base. To get connected with her nephew, Olga takes Elio to the local air and space museum. Elio gets attracted to the idea of contacting aliens from other galaxies as he feels lost on Earth.
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However, his obsession puts him at odds with Olga and his peers, but Elio is least concerned. He goes to the beach daily with his suitcase and ham radio with a message, 'Aliens Abduct Me!'
His wish gets fulfilled as he gets transported to the Communiverse, which is the home to the brilliant and sharp aliens. Elio feels like his dream has been fulfilled as they are ready to make him a member of the Communiverse after he misleads them, telling them he is the leader of Earth.
However, his lie gets caught when he comes in front of Lord Grigon (Brad Garrett), a robotic-like warlord, who threatens to destroy the communiverse after they don't allow him to become a member of their planet. Will Elio win over the hearts of the Communiverse's aliens, or will he go back to Earth?
Directors Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi and Adrian Molina have beautifully combined the beautiful and wildly imaginative space adventure tale with the theme of family and friendship, which explores the dynamics of vulnerability and loneliness.
The movie impactfully shows the underlying message that parents or guardians need to show the soft side to their kids and hits the right emotional notes without being loud or preachy. The beautiful and sparkling shades of Communiverse and its fancy extra-terrestrial creatures, and the realistic Earth make you want to explore the unknown with open arms and heart.
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On the whole, Elio is a delightful family watch, which will be loved by kids and adored by adults.
Rating: 3 (out of 5 stars)
Elio is playing in cinemas

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