Elio Christian review
Pixar’s new animated movie is coming out – its name is Elio. What else should I say? it seems like a trip on a cosmic level. Space, aliens, those galactic council type scenes, and on top of that, Pixar’s classic emotional shock, soft, a little funny, and then absolutely heart-touching. The story seems simple on the surface – an awkward 11-year-old boy, Elio, who doesn’t connect with people easily, mistakenly becomes Earth’s ambassador due to some intergalactic misunderstanding. Now, just think – a confused kid is standing in front of the alien council, representing humanity. Quite a wild image, isn’t it?
But if we look at this story from a Christian perspective, some deep things emerge. Elio’s entire journey – in a way, getting a big role at a young age – is quite relatable. Just like sometimes in life we are asked to stand in a place where we are not even ready. But still, we have to go. The line in Jeremiah 1:7 comes to mind – “Don’t say I am only a youth.” When God has given the work, there is no place for hesitation. Courage comes automatically.
And no matter how alien Elio’s space world is, the emotions are exactly like our own – thirst for belonging, fear, gathering a little courage, empathy… everything. The biggest theme that strikes my mind is accepting yourself. Pixar is an expert in these topics anyway. It always gets into the heart without being overly cheesy. This time too, I feel he will do something similar. And the “love thy neighbor” principle in the Bible – if you stretch it a little, it fits here too. Like – “even if your neighbor is a giant glowing jellyfish from Zargon-6.“
Now some people might have thought, “space, aliens… is all this okay for a Christian family?” It is a legit question, but as per the trailer, the story does not go into any spiritually off-track zone. It seems too symbolic – use of other worlds to show diversity, empathy and unity. It is not necessary to take it literally, a lot is being said metaphorically.
If we look at the overall vibe, Elio seems like a typical Pixar story – which will entertain the kids, but if we watch it a little carefully, spiritual angles can also emerge from within. Identity, purpose, and when the time comes to stand in front of the world, how that divine confidence emerges from within – it gives hints about everything. If parents and kids watch it together, some honest, soulful conversations can take place over the dinner table after the movie.
The movie has not been released yet, but the feeling that you are having… this ride is going to be quite warm and meaningful. If you can see God’s calling even in a story with a little space, then don’t miss Elio.
