⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | Rated PG | 99 minutes

There’s a moment early in Elio when our young hero finds himself staring up at the stars… curious, overwhelmed, and ready for anything. That exact feeling hit me like a meteorite from my childhood. It transported me straight back to watching Explorers and Space Camp on VHS until the tape wore out. Disney-Pixar’s Elio doesn’t just tap into nostalgia, it launches it into orbit.

This film is a gorgeous, emotionally resonant love-letter to space exploration, imagination, and the limitless potential of childhood. Directed by Adrian Molina, Elio captures that magical blend of curiosity and courage that defines great science fiction for families. It feels fresh and wildly original while wearing its sci-fi heart on its sleeve, with clear homages to fan-favorite classics. Even the font used in the credits is a nod to EPCOT fans. (Trust me, you’ll notice.)

The story centers around Elio, an 11-year-old misfit who’s accidentally beamed up and mistaken for Earth’s official ambassador by a group of intergalactic leaders. What follows is a wild, funny, and heartfelt cosmic journey. But what truly makes Elio glow is its emotional core. It’s not just a movie about space. It’s about belonging, finding your voice, and realizing that being different might just make you the perfect person for the job. Elio is a deeply personal tale about identity, belonging, and courage.

Let’s talk about the stellar voice cast. Yonas Kibreab shines as Elio, bringing warmth and wide-eyed wonder to every scene. Zoe Saldana delivers a grounded, powerful performance as Elio’s aunt, Olga, adding emotional weight and forced-to-be-a-parent perspective. The supporting cast featuring the likes of Jameela Jamil and Brad Garrett rounds out an interstellar ensemble that keeps the film buzzing with personality.

Visually, Elio is pure Pixar magic. The alien worlds are vibrant and full of detail, with designs that feel pulled straight from a dream. The dreamers here are clearly someone who grew up watching retro-futuristic sci-fi. The film’s design choices are laced with references that eagle-eyed fans will geek out over. No spoilers, but keep your eyes peeled!

Simply put, Elio is out-of-this-world fun. It recaptures the joy of looking up at the stars and wondering what’s out there, while reminding us that the biggest journeys often begin by embracing who we are right here on Earth. This one deserves a permanent home in your family film collection.

Pixar made a universal message wrapped in stardust. If you’ve ever looked at the night sky and dreamed a little bigger, Elio is a trip worth taking.