Common Sense Media Review
By Sandie Angulo Chen
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Moments of peril in heartfelt adventure about lonely boy.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 6+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Watch
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Elio
Parent and Kid Reviews
Based on 43 parent reviews
Parents say the movie has distinctly mixed reviews, with many criticizing its violent scenes and dark themes that seem inappropriate for young children, including depictions of bullying and intense moments. However, some find it to have a meaningful message about belonging and friendship, suggesting it may resonate more with older kids and adults, though overall, the movie is viewed as inconsistent and potentially frightening for younger viewers.
- violence concerns
- mixed messaging
- age appropriateness
- dark themes
- emotional moments
- family dynamics
Summarized with AI
Summarized with AI
Based on 20 kid reviews
Kids say the movie offers a mix of emotions, balancing humor and heart, though opinions vary widely on its quality and originality, with some praising its animation and messages while others deem it a flop. The story, revolving around themes of loss and belonging, sparks conflicted feelings, particularly regarding character development and the resolution.
- original storytelling
- emotional themes
- diverse opinions
- animation quality
- mixed reviews
Summarized with AI
What's the Story?
ELIO (voiced by Yonas Kibreab) is a lonely, imaginative middle-schooler who's been living with his Aunt Olga (Zoe Saldaña)—an Air Force major who works in space surveillance—since his parents' deaths. Elio, who's still grieving his tremendous loss and is worried that his Tía Olga regrets her new role as his guardian, is obsessed with the idea of being abducted by aliens. After using military satellites to send a recorded message out to space, Elio is eventually beamed up to the Communiverse—a gathering place for representatives from select alien civilizations—where he lets them believe that he's Earth's leader so that they'll accept him as a member. Elio soon finds himself navigating intergalactic diplomacy, dangerous misunderstandings, and an unexpected friendship with the son of a war-mongering alien leader who wasn't invited to join the Communiverse. Elio hopes to prove himself worthy of membership, even if it means pretending to have skills and experience he lacks.
Is It Any Good?
This crowd-pleasing, emotionally resonant Pixar adventure explores loneliness, loss, and self-identity. Kibreab and Saldaña both deliver excellent voice performances as a tween orphan and his aunt-turned-guardian. The screenplay focuses on Elio's deep sense of alienation, which drives his desire to disconnect from Earth and find belonging in the intergalactic Communiverse. The animation is Pixar-level impressive, if not revolutionary, with detailed production design, immersive world-building, and expressive character work. Elio, like many young cinematic orphans, is easy to root for, and his mission to join the aliens is touchingly tragicomic. He doesn't feel connected to anything on Earth, so why not start over in space?
Pixar veterans Madeline Sharafian and Domee Shi (Turning Red) direct Elio with a strong emphasis on character development and self-discovery, as Elio learns to take responsibility for his actions, open himself up to friendship, and improve communication with his aunt. And young alien Glordon (Remy Edgerly) is sure to become a fan favorite: He quickly shows Elio what a close friendship built on honesty and vulnerability can look like (think E.T. in reverse, with the human boy as the alien visitor). All of that said, despite its otherworldly setting, Elio's story is fairly straightforward, though references to ham radios, Voyager 1, and Carl Sagan's reflections on extraterrestrial possibilities give the movie a warm, early 1980s vibe.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about why alien and space-related movies like Elio remain popular. What makes Elio unique in how it handles its first-contact story?
What is the movie saying about what it means to be brave? How does Elio demonstrate courage in different ways throughout the story?
Elio feels alone and like an outsider at school and camp and even at home. Have you ever felt like you didn't belong? What helped you feel more accepted?
Discuss the movie's messages about the importance of friendship. Why do you think Elio and Glordon bond so easily? What do they have in common?
Movie Details
- In theaters : June 20, 2025
- On DVD or streaming : August 19, 2025
- Cast : Yonas Kibreab , America Ferrera , Remy Edgerly , Brad Garrett
- Directors : Adrian Molina , Madeline Sharafian , Domee Shi
- Inclusion Information : Latino Movie Director(s) , Mexican Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Director(s) , Asian Movie Director(s) , Chinese Movie Director(s) , Female Movie Actor(s) , Latino Movie Actor(s)
- Studio : Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures
- Genre : Family and Kids
- Topics : Adventures , Aliens , Fantasy ( Monsters ) , Friendship , Space , STEM , Travel
- Character Strengths : Compassion , Courage , Empathy
- Run time : 99 minutes
- MPAA rating :
- MPAA explanation : some action/peril and thematic elements.
- Awards : Academy Award - Other Category Nominee , BAFTA - BAFTA Nominee , Common Sense Selection , NAACP Image Award - NAACP Image Award Nominee
- Last updated : December 15, 2025
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