Elio Christian Review

Elio… the moment we hear the name it reminds us of Pixar’s typical space adventure – aliens, stars, a little fun, a little drama and a cheerful happy ending. But this film is a little different; it seems to be stepping out of Pixar’s comfort zone. Yes, the visuals are dreamy, the characters are interesting, the adventure is full on… but the story that is hidden inside talks about something else. This is not just a space story; it is a gentle, true journey of finding your own place, trusting your own voice and understanding where we belong. And if you look from a Christian perspective, some scenes enter the corner of the heart.

Elio—an 11-year-old introverted, artistic boy—becomes the galaxy’s Earth ambassador by mistake. Meaning, he gets a mission, which seems difficult at first, but slowly he has to meet his own self. He is an outsider even among aliens. And he doesn’t have a special place on Earth either. To tell you the truth, we all have felt this feeling at one time or another. As Psalm 139:13-16 says—We are all made for a purpose. But until that purpose is not accomplished, one feels… “Maybe I was born in the wrong place.”

Elio’s strength? No weapons, no laser guns. His strength is in his feelings. In his vulnerability. When he stands up for his truth, when he is honest in his words… only then one understands what real courage is. Matthew 11:29 comes to mind—where Christ says that delicacy and humility are real strength, not weakness. Elio is the same. There is no big winning moment. Just listen. Understand. Then speak.

And the relationship between Elio and his mother Olga? Uff, she is the emotional anchor of the whole film. Olga is a scientist, intelligent, a little strict, a little overprotective… but first of all she is a mother. Their relationship starts off a little awkward, a little distant. But as the story progresses, the misunderstandings slowly melt away—like ice melts in tea. With grace and effort, a lot of things come to the right place. Proverbs 22:6 and Ephesians 6:1-4 come to mind—perhaps the real family is the one that catches up when it falls.

Yes, if you’re a little conservative you’ll raise your eyebrows on seeing alien council, galaxy court, a little metaphysical touch. But should I tell you the truth? All this is just background. No occult, no confusion. The tone of the film is more philosophical, not theological. The questions that arise – “Who am I?“, “What are my values?“, “Can I change?” – these are the same questions every believer asks at some point or the other in his life. Answers are not given here… because they are already written in the Bible.

Should I talk about the content? Full PG. Absolutely safe for kids. Full money recovery for more than 8 years. A little suspense, a little sci-fi tension, but nothing vulgar or disturbing. Pixar has again made it from the heart. But this time the mind is engaged along with the heart.

And when the movie ends, it feels that this story was not about spaceships or dragons. It was the story of that small voice that gets hidden in a corner of every child’s heart-“Am I enough?” If you look from a Christian perspective, a subtle thing comes to the fore… we have not done any mistake. We are not aliens. We are God’s own. And when the world seems big and strange, love is the biggest and most powerful thing.

So yes… watch Elio. But don’t just watch with your eyes, watch with your heart too. Because Elio is searching for his place on the screen, and maybe you too will find a piece of yourself.

And shall I tell you the truth? Maybe that is the real sci-fi magic.