Elio (2025)

Elio

• I’m usually kind of picky when it comes to animated films. I wouldn’t really say I have a certain type that I do or don’t like, but a lot of the time, if it’s targeted for younger kids, it’s not really something I always want to waste my time with. Not that watching a film is wasting time, but you know what I mean. However, I liked this one more than I thought I would. Seeing the trailer, it felt like one I wouldn’t pay much attention to, but it’s pretty heartwarming and very relatable. Elio just seems like he could be anyone’s best friend, and you just want to reach through the screen and give him a hug. The story was pretty fun, though it didn’t feel very new. I’m not sure what it reminded me of, but it reminded me of some past animated film that has a mix of humans and aliens trying to cooperate and also butt heads. Maybe I’m thinking of ‘Home’? Anyways, the plot didn’t grab my attention too much, but the characters and their chemistry definitely did. The whole outcast/loneliness aspect of Elio’s character was done really well, especially from a kids point of view. I read some of the production history on this, and at one point, it was more of a queer character and possible queer storyline, which I think would’ve worked out extremely well, if left in. But even though it was cut out, Elio’s unique personality still makes this worth watching. The animation was good, but nothing out of the ordinary from your average animated film from the last two or three years. It’s got the generic Pixar look. The voice cast was also good, though nothing super memorable, except for Yonas Kibreab as Elio. He really knocked it out of the park. It was also very fun to hear Brad Garrett show up, because he can do no wrong. My last thought is that the score and visuals were pretty great, the aliens had a very comic-y look, and the runtime was right where it needed to be. Overall, it’s nothing too out of this world (see what I did there?), but it definitely packs a punch at times, and men can consider adding Elio to their “literally me” collection. I would recommend it to all animation/sci-fi fans. This film is officially Berry Approved, so go watch it now!