Elio Review: Stunning Animation Fails to Deliver a Compelling Story

Elio Review: Stunning Animation Fails to Deliver a Compelling Story

Excitement has been buzzing among Disney and Pixar fans following the highly anticipated release of Elio, a captivating tale that intertwines humor and adventure. The story revolves around an orphan boy inadvertently taken by aliens who mistakenly believe he’s Earth’s leader. He decides to ride along with the crazy situation.

Achieving an 86% rating on Rotten Tomatoes and a 7.2/10 on IMDb, this visually stunning film showcases exceptional animation and charming characters. While I genuinely appreciate the artistry, I feel the narrative doesn’t quite reach the heights of Pixar classics like Finding Nemo and Up. Here’s a closer look at where Elio shines and where it stumbles.

An Artistry That Captures Every Glance

Screenshot from Elio
Image Credit: Pixar Press Kit

As with every Pixar offering, the animation in Elio immediately grabs your attention. The studio has consistently elevated its artistic standards, and this film exemplifies that growth. The attention to detail in the expressiveness of characters—human or alien—is stunning, ensuring every facial expression and movement resonates with the audience.

Moreover, the cosmic realm of the Communiverse stands out as an extraordinary visual treat. Each alien entity is rendered with unique textures that bring an unexpected life to the screen. One particular scene, where Elio is lifted by the spaceship, transitions beautifully into the vibrant and surreal alien landscape, a moment that left me speechless.

Dynamic Lighting and Cinematography That Engage Every Emotion

Elio and Glordon in Elio
Image Credit: Pixar Press Kit

Pixar has long been synonymous with innovative lighting and cinematography. In Elio, the studio takes it to a new level, immersing audiences in the breathtaking alien atmosphere. The Communiverse shines with colors that captivate much like the mesmerizing landscapes in Avatar.

One memorable cinematographic moment occurs when Olga receives the “Bring us the leader of Earth” message. The neon-pink light creates a beautiful yet mysterious ambiance, transforming a simple room into a captivating space. Another standout scene involves a spaceship landing on Earth, where animation and camera work collide to create a striking, unforgettable moment.

Elio Faces Challenges with an Unremarkable Storyline

Lord Grigon in Elio
Image Credit: Pixar Press Kit

We’ve all encountered stories where a lonely child finds hope through unexpected friendships, but unfortunately, Elio‘s take feels predictable. While Pixar dazzles us with animation, the storyline—where Elio longs for acceptance after being bullied—fails to captivate. Despite the excellent performances, the writing leaves much to be desired.

Elio’s nemesis, Lord Grigon, contributes little to the overarching narrative. Though he seeks to belong in the Communiverse, his eventual change of heart when he discovers his son is alive feels anticlimactic and lacks depth. The climactic moments don’t resonate as intended; the emotional connection falters despite the accompanying music.

Is Elio Worth Watching in Theatres?

Despite its flaws in storytelling, you should absolutely experience Elio on the big screen. The mesmerizing animation deserves to be seen in all its glory, and while the plot may lack finesse, the artistry and creativity are enough to hold your attention throughout.

In closing, if you’re a fan of brilliant animation and stunning visuals, Elio is a film that shouldn’t be missed. For further insights and updates on engaging content, don’t forget to check out Moyens I/O.

What makes Elio’s animation so captivating? The film features remarkable artistry that breathes life into characters and environments. Viewers will appreciate the unique textures and expressive details.

How does Elio compare to other Pixar films? While visually stunning, Elio’s storyline doesn’t reach the emotional highs of iconic Pixar films like Up and Finding Nemo.

Is the storyline of Elio unique? The core story of Elio feels predictable and familiar, lacking the unique twists that often define Pixar’s storytelling.