Elio
Here's what we found in Elio. Every family is different — get a report that reflects yours.
Screen for YOUR familyParent's Guide to 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.
Things to Consider
LGBTQ & Gender Identity
The 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'.
Would these 1 concern matter to your family?
Get a report based on your values — not generic ratings.
Additional Context
Best For Ages
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.
Good to Know
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.
What are you watching next?
Screen any title in seconds — even ones no one else has reviewed.
No credit card required — join hundreds of families