ELIO

Elio (2025)

Directed by: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina

Elio is a kid who often says he’s alone, but the movie doesn’t effectively convey that situation. His relationship with his aunt and friends aren’t established well. Your connection to the characters has a weak signal, leaving a void that is not being filled.

Watching this movie can give an alienating experience. And maybe, that’s what Elio feels all along.

So let the movie’s whimsy and peculiarity simmer for a while. Eventually, foreign entities will become familiar. As aliens show their true colors, human features come alive. Metaphors start to resonate.

The bond between the main characters is short but it’s sweet. Elio may have inconsistencies in making a strong connection, but on moments when it matters the most, they bring tears. Their lines hit home and spark emotions.

Even though packed with extraterrestrial life, the story manages to be relatable. Turns out a movie filled with aliens can be not alienating.

Being alone can sometimes lead to home.

𝑬𝑳𝑰𝑶

Rating: 3/5

Cast: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldaña, Remy Edgerly, Brad Garrett, Jameela Jamil, Shirley Henderson, Brandon Moon, Matthias Schweighöfer, Ana de la Reguera, Naomi Watanabe, Anissa Borrego, Brendan Hunt, Shelby Young

Screenplay by: Julia Cho, Mark Hammer, Mike Jones

Presented by: Disney Pixar

Release Date: June 18, 2025 in Philippine cinemas nationwide

A Movie Review by: Goldwin Reviews