Reviews

After experiencing huge box office success with their sequel Inside Out 2 last year, Pixar are bringing us a brand-new original story, Elio.

The animated outing follows a lonely, space-obsessed boy named Elio (voiced by Yonas Kibreab) who longs to be abducted by aliens following the death of his parents.

His dreams finally come true one day when he is abducted and taken to the Communiverse, which is under threat from the evil warlord Lord Grigon (Brad Garrett). Elio, mistakenly believed to be Earth’s ambassador, has to step up and negotiate with Lord Grigon to protect the Communiverse.

During his time on Grigon’s ship, Elio meets the villain’s toothy eyeless child Glordon (Remy Edgerly) and they become great friends and go on an adventure together.

Elio is a delightful space caper with dazzling visuals (as always, with Pixar) and a lot of heart. The surface may be colourful, shiny and fun, but this tackles themes of loneliness, grief, acceptance and belonging. Mature viewers will appreciate these themes, and Elio and his Aunt Olga (Zoe Saldana) finding their feet as a new family, while there are plenty of fun moments for the kids.

Elio may be an original idea, but the messages within it feel familiar, and the story hits a lot of formulaic beats, meaning the film feels quite safe and conventional when Pixar often used to try big and bold ideas.

There are some fantastic moments, though, including Elio’s clone trying to fit in on Earth and the boy’s attempts to get abducted. But these have nothing on the shining star of the film: Glordon and their unlikely yet adorable friendship.

Unfortunately, audiences have to wait too long to meet the critter, but he makes up for it with the best personality and funniest lines.

Elio takes too long to get going, and it’s trying to achieve too many ideas, but it’s a charming space adventure that should entertain both kids and adults alike.

In cinemas from Friday 21st June.

By Hannah Wales.

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