Are we Alone?
Elio - Pixar
For centuries, people have called out to the universe looking to answer a question: Are we alone? In the new Pixar film “Elio,” the universe calls back. Elio introduces us to an imaginative kid who’s obsessed with space, and somehow is mistaken as the ambassador for Earth. A wild intergalactic adventure unfolds filled with quirky aliens, cosmic drama, and heartfelt moments of self-discovery. It is a quintessential Pixar film: incredible animation with an emotional nougatty core.
Pixar's recent original films (Luca, Turning Red, and Elemental) may not have been massive box office hits, but they’ve all been enjoyed by our family. Each one brought something different to the table: the coastal charm and feeling different in Luca, the puberty chaos of Turning Red, and the power of love and acceptance of Elemental. Elio feels like a continuation of that trend. Maybe not aiming to be the next Toy Story, but absolutely worth watching with your kids.
Over the July 4th weekend, we decided to beat the heat and head over to the local Cinemark to check out Elio. Here are our thoughts:
Kid Reactions
We have 4 daughters. Ages 12, 10, 6, and 3. Here are their thoughts:
Our 12-year-old summed it up simply: "Really Good." Her favorite character in her words was “the boy with the eye patch” (Elio). She got a kick out of the aliens and all the robots.
The 10-year-old called it "Sad but good," which describes many Pixar films. Her favorite character was Glordon, the adorable slug-like alien companion. Her standout moment? When Glordon starts making little web dolls and playing with them.
The 6-year-old was all smiles after: "I liked it!" She also chose Glordon as her favorite character and thought that when Elio got stuck in Glordon’s webs was really cool.
Even the 3-year-old had thoughts: "Lil bit scary, but cool." Elio was her favorite, and despite a few jumpy moments, she enjoyed the film.
Parent Perspective
As a parent, Elio offered more than Pixar’s amazing animation and quirky aliens. It carried some meaningful themes that hit home for me. The central question, “Are we alone?”, is woven through the entire film. Of course, it's framed around space and aliens, but it clearly speaks to something much deeper. The idea of belonging, connection, and the desire to be truly seen.
Our oldest is in middle school and has Down Syndrome. At school, she’s surrounded by kind, friendly classmates. However, I have noticed how rare those deeper, more meaningful friendships can be. Watching Elio navigate loneliness, fear, and ultimately finding people (and aliens) who accept him for who he is… that message struck a chord with me. It’s the kind of story that reminds you of the importance of finding your people. No matter what world you're in.
I’ll admit, I teared up a little at the end when Dr. Carl Sagan’s words echoed through the final scene. It wasn’t just a movie about space. It was about hope, connection, and holding onto the belief that none of us are truly alone.
Is It Kid-Friendly?
For the most part, Elio is a solid pick for kids. There are a few things to keep in mind. Our crew reported 2–3 jump scares, mostly involving the big bad, Lord Grigon, and towards the end of the movie there is a creepy scene where Elio’s clone is used as a distraction. Nothing that made the girls crawl into our bed, but enough to make younger or more sensitive kids squirm a bit.
Like many Disney and Pixar stories, Elio leans on the classic “dead parent” trope, which might be a little heavy for some kids depending on their age or experiences. It’s not overly drawn out, but it’s there as part of Elio’s emotional journey. Also, there is a scene towards the end where you think one of the main characters might die.
Our 3-year-old made it through the first hour but started to get restless toward the end. She needed to change seats a few times but made it to the end. For older kids (5+), it should hold their attention, especially if they’re into space, adventure, or aliens.
Bottom line: Elio is kid-friendly with a few intense moments, in my opinion, it’s best suited for ages 5+ but your mileage may vary depending on your kiddo’s attention span and scare tolerance.
Lord Grigon - Pixar - Elio
Final Thoughts
Elio is visually fun and blends Pixar charm with an important lesson. It may not challenge the emotional heights of Toy Story or Inside Out, but it’s a strong mid-tier entry in Pixar’s lineup. Whether you’ve got a little one who dreams of space or just want something heartwarming, it is a fun and thoughtful journey. Be sure to stay through the credits. There is a mid-credit scene that wraps up Elio’s story nicely. If you make it through the entire credits there is a teaser for Pixar’s next film, Hoppers, coming in 2026.
