Is Anyone Out There?

In 1977, NASA sent out two space probes, Voyager 1 and Voyager 2. Their mission was to collect data to transmit back to earth. These probes are still out there, and each carries a Golden Record with messages in different languages and instructions for playback. Is anyone out there listening? In this Disney Pixar Elio Christian Movie Review & Parent Guide, I give you the information you need before viewing this movie with your children.

Disney Pixar Elio Christian Movie Review

Studio Synopsis:

For centuries, people have called out to the universe looking for answers—in Disney and Pixar’s all-new feature film “Elio,” the universe calls back! The cosmic misadventure introduces Elio, a space fanatic with an active imagination and a huge alien obsession. So, when he’s beamed up to the Communiverse, an interplanetary organization with representatives from galaxies far and wide, Elio’s all in for the epic undertaking. Mistakenly identified as Earth’s leader, Elio must form new bonds with eccentric alien lifeforms, navigate a crisis of intergalactic proportions, and somehow discover who and where he is truly meant to be. 

My Synopsis:

Elio is a young boy who feels alone. He is being raised by his aunt who doesn’t understand him. Furthermore, he doesn’t have any friends. When he stumbles upon a Voyager exhibit, he becomes fascinated with finding out if there is life in outer space. In fact, he is determined to make contact. What will happen when he finally does encounter alien life?

Elio Christian Movie Review – What Parents Want to Know

Language:

While there is no foul language, there are a few instances of crude language such as “oh my gosh,”and Butt is used twice. Elio is called a liar, betrayer, coward. Additionally, Elio speaks a made up language. When an alien learns the language, Elio asks the alien if he knows any bad words. These are shown on the screen as subtitles such as $@)*%.

Violence:

Elio’s parents are dead. Yes, the dead parents is the theme in this film. Would it even be a Disney film if the parents were living?

Throughout the film there are explosions and lasers. Furthermore, Elio is beat up by classmates. Later he is shown with a patch on his eye. In one scene, he is chased through the woods by kids with alien masks on.

He is also put in a cell with a skeleton. Additionally, Elio is wrapped up by a slimy monster. It almost looks like he is wrapped up similar to how spiders wrap their prey. However, it turns out the wrapping is not sinister.

Elio’s clone cuts off his finger and reattaches it. In another scene, Elio drinks too much “galatic juice” and is shown throwing up. Likewise, Glordon eats too much Earth food and throws up.

Glordon’s mom is said to be “gone, fighting the blood wars.”

Finally, one of the main characters is a battle lord and his entire species believes in war and conquering new planets.

Spiritual Content:

When Elio first encounters Communiverse, he is told that they know everything including the meaning of life.

Additionally, Elio and Glordon are both cloned. This may be the perfect time to talk to your children about the moral ramifications of cloning.

Other Content:

While there is no outwardly objectionable content, at one point an alien says, “We believe in tolerance and open-mindedness.” Not bad things to believe in, but it just seemed a little preachy coming from Disney.

Elio has a DNA sample taken from his nose. He says, “Wow, my first probe.”

Additionally, Elio overhears his aunt saying, “This isn’t the life I wanted.”

Deception:

There are several times throughout the film that Elio lies and deceives people. For instance, he tells the Communiverse Ambassadors that he is the leader of Earth.

Positive Content:

Elio explores the themes of loneliness, feeling alone, being different and finding our place in the world. Additionally, the film is new and not a sequel, which is refreshing.

Both of my favorite lines in the film are near the end. Elio’s aunt says, “I may not always understand you, but I still love you.” That is such a great message for all people to hear. Too often, we feel our differences make people hate us. Knowing that we are loved in spite of our differences can make children feel accepted for who they are.

The second line is when Elio is told he is unique, but that “unique can sometimes feel like alone.” It is our uniqueness that enables us to shine. However, we often feel alone in the very things that make us special.

Disney Pixar Elio Christian Movie Review – My Viewing Recommendations

First, this film addresses the question, “Is there anybody out there? Or are we alone in the Universe?” However, any answer in a film, still leaves questions in real life. But for boys and girls who wonder about life out there, this is a great film to imagine life outside our planet.

Overall, Elio is a cute movie about a boy that feels alone. Who among us hasn’t had those feelings? If the film helps to raise awareness that it is okay to feel like you are misunderstood and alone, it is sure to help some children (and adults).

Additionally, there is little in the film that is objectionable. Therefore, I can recommend this film for families.

Ironically, Disney’s last film, the live-action Lilo & Stitch features a young girl who has lost both her parents. However, at the end of that movie, Lilo’s sister leaves for college. However, in Elio, his aunt does put her aspirations on hold for the good of her nephew.

About the Movie:

Rating: PG for some action/peril and thematic elements.

Release Date: June 20, 2025

Runtime: 1 hour, 39 minutes

Genre: Adventure/Sci-Fi

Style: Animated

Studio: Pixar Animation Studios

Directed by: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina

Written by: Julia Cho, Mark Hammer, Mike Jones

Story by: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina, Julia Cho

Produced by: Mary Alice Drumm

Edited by: Anna Wolitzky, Steve Bloom

Music by: Rob Simonsen

Distributed by: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures

The Cast of Disney Pixar Elio:

Elio Solis voiced by Yonas Kibreab

Olga Solis voiced by Zoe Saldana

Glordon voiced by Remy Edgerly

Lord Grigon voiced by Brad Garrett

Questa voiced by Jameela Jamil

OOOOO voiced by Shirley Henderson

Gunther Melmac voiced by Brandan Hunt

Tegmen voiced by Matthias Schweighofer

Helix voiced by Brandon Moon

Auva voiced by Naomi Watanabe

Turais voiced by Ana de la Reguera

Mira voiced by Anissa Borrego

Frequently Asked Questions:

Where can I watch Disney Pixar Elio?

Disney Pixar Elio releases into theaters on June 20, 2025. It is expected to be on Disney+ and other streaming on demand platforms in the coming months.

Is there an end credit scene for Disney Pixar Elio?

There is a mid-credit scene in Elio. Additionally, at the very end of Elio, after the Disney castle, there is a very brief intro for the 2026 Pixar film Hopper.