Overview

• The story follows 11-year-old orphan Elio, who builds a homemade receiver to contact aliens and is swept into the intergalactic Communiversum as Earth’s accidental representative.
• As Pixar’s 29th feature, Elio is co-directed by Domee Shi, Madeline Sharafian and Adrian Molina, with alien designs inspired by corals, microscopes and natural forms.
• Reviewers commend the film’s vibrant 3D visuals and its heartfelt exploration of loneliness and the desire for acceptance.
• Some critics argue the plot leans too heavily on familiar sci-fi tropes and frenetic pacing, which at times undercuts its more poetic moments.
• Veteran actor Matthias Schweighöfer voices the deadpan ambassador Tegmen, whose contrast with the warm, caterpillar-like ally Glordon adds emotional nuance.