Elio
Elio is a Pixar animated science fiction adventure film that tells the story of an 11-year-old boy named Elio Solís. Feeling like an outsider and struggling with loneliness after the loss of his parents, Elio unexpectedly makes contact with extraterrestrial life. Through a case of mistaken identity, he is beamed up to an intergalactic council known as the Communiverse, where he is thrust into the role of Earth's ambassador. He must then navigate complex alien cultures and a looming intergalactic crisis, all while embarking on a journey of self-discovery to understand where he truly belongs in the universe. The film aims to deliver a heartwarming narrative with themes of empathy, self-acceptance, and the importance of connection. Targeted at families and children, Elio explores a blend of action-heavy sequences and comedic elements within its imaginative sci-fi setting. While generally lauded for its visual appeal and positive messages, parents should be aware of some intense scenes, mild animated violence, and certain thematic interpretations that may vary across different audiences, particularly concerning spiritual content. The movie's overall appropriateness aligns with typical family-friendly animated features, prompting discussions on coping with loss and finding one's place.
Concerns
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
HighThe film faced significant controversy during its production due to the removal of intended LGBTQ+ elements. The original director, Adrian Molina, who is openly gay, reportedly left the project after Pixar executives requested changes to make the main character more 'masculine' and eliminated specific visual cues of queer representation from Elio's character design and backstory. This indicates a deliberate decision to exclude LGBTQ+ themes that were part of the initial creative vision.
Original director Adrian Molina's vision for Elio included a 'queer-coded' character, reflecting his own identity, but this was removed during production. Specific elements removed included a scene where Elio showcased a pink tank top he made to a hermit crab. Furthermore, picture frames depicting a male crush in Elio's bedroom were also removed. Studio executives also requested that the main character be made more 'masculine'.
Violence
MediumThe movie contains several instances of animated violence, including physical altercations among children, threats, and peril from alien warfare. These scenes contribute to the film's suspense and action, featuring both direct physical harm and threatening situations that could be intense for younger viewers.
Elio engages in physical fights with other children, with one instance leading to him wearing an eye patch. In another scene, two children hold Elio down while a third punches him. The narrative involves alien warfare led by Lord Grigon, who uses weapons and verbal threats to intimidate other alien species, creating moments of suspense and danger. Elio is also depicted kicking and biting another boy during a scuffle.
Witchcraft & Occult
MediumWhile not explicitly framed as witchcraft by mainstream reviews, some Christian media outlets interpret elements of the film, particularly Elio's communication with aliens, as having occult undertones. Concerns are raised regarding the depiction of 'spiritual confusion' and practices like using crystals or 'sigils' in a manner that some perceive as aligned with demonic or anti-Christian themes.
One Christian review describes the film as promoting 'spiritual confusion' and normalizes 'communicating with demons in the shape of an ouroboros' through alien contact. The movie depicts Elio 'practicing sigils (magic)' and befriending aliens that are metaphorically equated to demons by this source. Elio is also shown 'surrounding himself with crystals, hanging out in a crystal circle' in an attempt to attract alien abduction.
Scary & Intense Content
MediumElio features several moments of suspense, peril, and mild jump scares. These intense scenes stem from alien warfare, life-threatening situations in space, and a creepy clone sequence, which may cause discomfort or fright for younger or more sensitive viewers.
The movie includes many scenes involving peril during Elio's adventures in alien worlds, such as alien warfare with Lord Grigon. Elio's clone is featured in a 'super creepy jump-scare sequence'. Additionally, there is a scene where a spaceship is nearly crushed by 'faster-than-bullets space debris', creating a tense atmosphere.
Disrespect & Rebellion
MediumThe movie portrays themes of disrespect and rebellion through Elio's initial struggles with authority and his aunt, as well as instances of bullying. Elio's actions, while sometimes defiant, are often driven by his feelings of loneliness and desire for connection and belonging.
Elio initially struggles to connect with his Aunt Olga and feels 'misunderstood by the people around him'. In an act of defiance, Elio takes a classmate's ham radio to communicate with aliens, which leads to a physical scuffle and him sustaining an eye injury. Elio intentionally sends his own message to aliens after adults and military personnel disregard a potential alien response. Elio also experiences bullying from other children at school.
Anti-Christian Themes
MediumThe film does not overtly mock or insult Christian beliefs. However, some Christian reviews express concern that the movie presents an alternative worldview regarding existential questions, such as humanity's place in the universe, by offering aliens as a 'solution' to the question of 'are we alone' rather than a Creator. This is viewed by some as promoting 'spiritual confusion' or an implicit anti-Christian message.
Movieguide notes that Elio 'solves the question 'are we alone' with aliens; whereas, Jesus Christ God and Creator solved it by his incarnation'. This review also states that while the film has 'strong moral, redemptive views', it 'suggests that aliens, not the Creator Jesus Christ, show we are not alone in the universe'. Little Light Studios explicitly critiques the film as 'spiritual propaganda' that normalizes themes, such as befriending aliens equated with demons, which can lead to 'spiritual confusion'.
Romance and Sexual Content
LowThe film contains no explicit sexual content, sexual innuendo, or nudity. Any potential romantic subplots, particularly those involving LGBTQ+ themes, were explicitly removed during the film's production, leaving the final cut free of such elements.
Parental reviews explicitly state that the movie 'does not have any sexual content'. There is also 'no sexual innuendo in this movie'. The planned depiction of a male crush for Elio was intentionally removed during the movie's development, further confirming the absence of romantic content.
Profanity
LowProfanity in Elio is minimal, primarily limited to mild schoolyard insults and rude speech. No strong curse words or explicit offensive language are reported, aligning with typical Pixar family-friendly standards.
The movie contains 'no profanity... aside from some bullying and insulting language such as 'stupid' and 'crazy''. Other sources note 'mild schoolyard language' and 'no human obscenities or profanities'. There are instances of 'rude speech throughout' and two 'butt' jokes.
Substance Use
LowThe film includes very limited and subtle instances of implied substance use, primarily involving a fictional alien drink that leads to overconsumption and illness. There is no depiction of illegal drugs, smoking, or explicit alcohol abuse.
Elio and his alien friend, Glordon, consume an alien drink called 'glorp' to excess, resulting in them throwing up. This scene is noted as potentially being a 'comical... alcoholic parallel'. Upon his initial arrival at the Communiverse, Elio is offered a drink in a 'fancy type of wine glass'.
Other Notes
Target Demographic
7+ with Parental Guidance. The film is rated PG for thematic elements and some action/peril. It addresses complex themes like grief, loneliness, and bullying, alongside moderate animated violence and suspenseful moments that might be too intense for very young or sensitive viewers. Parental discretion is advised to discuss the movie's themes and scenes, especially regarding spiritual interpretations and character actions.
Additional Notes
The production of Elio saw notable changes, including the departure of original director Adrian Molina over the removal of LGBTQ+ representation, indicating internal studio decisions that altered the film's original thematic direction. While mainstream reviews often highlight the film's positive messages about belonging and self-acceptance, Christian parental guides may find certain 'spiritual elements' and depictions of alien contact concerning, warranting careful discussion with children. The film's overall narrative focuses on a child's journey to find his place and overcome loneliness, which are universally relatable themes.
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