Elio

A Family Afternoon with Elio: More Heart Than I Expected

As a mother of two energetic kids under 10, I’ve seen my fair share of animated movies. Some are delightful, some are forgettable, and some are just an excuse to sit in a dark theater with popcorn for 90 minutes of peace. When my daughter spotted the poster for Elio at our local cinema, her eyes lit up, and I knew it was going to be our weekend plan. Truthfully, I wasn’t expecting much beyond colorful aliens and silly jokes — but this little film surprised me in the best way.

A Story That Knows How Kids Feel

What struck me about Elio is how honestly it understands what it feels like to be a kid who doesn’t quite fit in. The main character, Elio, isn’t the popular, brave, or overly clever type you often see in animated movies. He’s shy, a bit awkward, and unsure of his place in the world. Watching him reminded me so much of my own son, who sometimes struggles to speak up in class or join in at the playground.

The film takes Elio on a wild intergalactic adventure when he’s accidentally identified as Earth’s ambassador by an alien council. While the premise is funny and imaginative, what makes it shine is how it stays focused on Elio’s emotions through all the chaos. He’s scared, confused, and just wants to go home — and that felt so real, even to me as an adult.

A Beautifully Crafted Universe

Visually, Elio is a treat. The animation is rich and imaginative, with alien species and planets that had my kids pointing and gasping throughout. My daughter whispered “Wow!” more than once during the space scenes, and even I found myself admiring the creativity behind each new character design.

The film also cleverly uses colors and lighting to set the mood. The alien council chambers felt vast and mysterious, while Elio’s moments of loneliness and courage were matched with softer, more intimate visuals. It’s the kind of attention to detail you don’t always get in so-called “kids’ movies.”

Themes That Resonate Beyond the Target Audience

What I appreciated most as a parent was the film’s gentle but meaningful message about bravery and identity. Elio doesn’t suddenly become a fearless hero — he stays true to his awkward, uncertain self, but learns to trust his own voice. It’s a message I was glad my children were hearing, and one that quietly spoke to me as well.

The relationship between Elio and his mother, Olga, was another pleasant surprise. In between alien abductions and cosmic trials, the film carved out moments of genuine tenderness between them. It’s not perfect — she’s distracted by her work, and he feels left out — but their bond is strong, and their journey reminded me of the importance of being present and listening to our kids, even when life gets overwhelming.

A Perfect Family Outing

Walking out of the theater, my kids were bubbling with excitement, chattering about their favorite aliens and quoting funny lines. I, on the other hand, found myself reflecting on how rare it is to come across a film that can entertain young audiences while quietly offering something meaningful to the parents sitting beside them.

We talked about what it means to be brave, how it’s okay to feel scared, and why everyone — no matter how small or strange they might feel — deserves a place in the universe. For a Saturday afternoon at the movies, I couldn’t have asked for more.