Elio (PG) |Close-Up Film Review
Dir: Adrian Molina/Madeline Sharafian/Domee Shi, 2025 US, 99mins
Cast: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldana, Remy Edgerly
Review by Matthew Kamara
The stars aligned for this one. From the very first frame, I was pulled into a universe bursting with colour, creativity, and a tender heart that beats louder than a rocket engine.
Directed by Adrian Molina, with creative input from Madeline Sharafian and Domee Shi, this is a gorgeously animated, soul-stirring adventure that asks one powerful question: Where do I belong? Our young hero, voiced brilliantly by Yonas Kibreab, is a boy who feels like he doesn’t fit in—until he’s zapped into the cosmos and accidentally becomes Earth’s galactic ambassador. Yes, the quiet kid suddenly becomes the voice of the planet! Let that sink in.
From there, the film delivers an emotionally rich, character-driven tale packed with space oddities, laugh-out-loud moments, and the kind of Pixar magic that’ll have you giggling, gasping, and grabbing for the tissues—sometimes all at once. Zoe Saldaña adds gravitas and warmth as Elio’s fierce and loving mother Olga, and the voice cast is stellar across the board, from Brad Garrett to Jameela Jamil and Remy Edgerly.
But let’s talk visuals! This film is a feast. The cosmic environments, the light-bending alien worlds, and the dreamlike space creatures—every frame feels like a painting brought to life. Cinematographers Jordan Rempel and Derek Williams create a kaleidoscope of wonder, while Rob Simonsen’s score lifts the story to soaring heights—emotional, whimsical, and epic. There’s even a hint of sci-fi horror laced in between the giggles, giving it that extra emotional punch. At its core, Elio is about identity, connection, and finding your voice—even when the universe seems too big to understand.
A heartfelt, visually dazzling space odyssey bursting with originality. Pixar has struck gold again.
