The best Pixar movies spark something emotional for me and it wasn't far into Elio's runtime that this one found its mark. Elio is an exploration of loneliness and the challenges of finding connection, all packaged in an all ages story that, while completely accessible for younger audiences, reaches the youngster in all of us. It finds that spot where we remember being isolated, awkward, unable to fit, and it gives us some hope.
Elio also has a fun story about aliens. The story might cut a couple corners but it bases its imagery and mythology in familiar sci fi tropes of the past in a way that is charming and delightful. Yes the story skews younger than their recent Inside Out 2 or even the underrated Onward, but it never talks down to its audience. I'd compare it most closely to Luca, as it works by getting us all to see our inner children.
Elio is also a beautiful film. I love that Pixar is returning to a "cartoony" look instead of aiming for photorealism. Some of the set designs and "galactic" effects are just gorgeous but the character designs are done with a flair for a very animated style. Much of Elio's look is reminiscent of Monsters Inc. but without being derivative.
Elio was fresh and I didn't always know where it was going, which is such a rare treat these days. I know its the sequels and remakes that make all the money for these studios but when I see something like Elio I am hopeful there will always be spaces and time for original little films like this.
Elio
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldaña, Remy Edgerly, Brad Garrett, Jameela Jamil, Shirley Henderson, Matthias Schweighöfer, Brendan Hunt, Kate Mulgrew
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Writers: Julia Cho, Mark Hammer, Mike Jones
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