It’s a damn shame that an original IP with emotional depth like ELIO had such a low-opening weekend at the box office. I fear that if Pixar cannot produce original content for families and kids, then we are all doomed to watch remakes of animated movies, turned into lesser live-action versions or sequels to movies that didn’t need them in the first place.
So, with that, is ELIO worth seeing on the big screen? My answer is – it’s messy. The opening sequence blasts off with a SPACESHIP EARTH-inspired homage that left me feeling ready for takeoff. Yet, once the journey into space starts, I felt a cosmic disappointment until Elio meets Glordon. Once the two connect, they co-pilot this adventure into a positive message for parents, kids, and people who are unique yet feel like they are all alone.
I want audiences to support shows that challenge the standard animated formula like ELIO. However, I also understand why they are not star-struck and didn’t go to see it. Pixar will always be light-years ahead of the animated community. I’m hopeful they won’t lean into an endless stream of sequels and continue to push the animated space into uncharted territories. Until then. Thanks, Pixar. “Ok, bye, I love you.”
ELIO is in theatres now.
