First Reactions Call Pixar’s ‘Elio’ the “Biggest Surprise of the Summer”

June 12, 2025

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It just wouldn’t be summer without a heartwarming Pixar movie that manages to evoke joy in our hearts while at the same time making us cry. Last year it was Inside Out 2, and this year that film seems to be Elio. Based on early reactions, it looks as if the new sci-fi adventure ticks all the right boxes for the studio and fans, as it’s being hailed as the biggest surprise of the season. Holding its world premiere at the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood, Los Angeles recently, folks took to social media to express just how much they loved it for not only being a fantastic film, but for bringing back a Pixar tradition.

“Elio starts with a boy struggling with loneliness, but it unfolds into a surprisingly tender story of longing, self-discovery, and finding connection in the most unexpected corners of the universe, said critic Michael J. Lee on X, adding: “It’s full of heart, laced with gentle humor, and pops with its stunning visuals.” Award-winning producer Dempsey Pillot also had high praise for the animated adventure, saying:

“Pixar’s Elio might be the biggest surprise of the summer. A macrocosmic exploration of loneliness, brilliantly told from the perspective of a child. Very reminiscent of some of the studio’s earliest with its rich animation, silly side characters & touching story. Bring tissues!”

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Featuring the voice talents of Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldaña, Remy Edgerly, Brad Garrett, Jameela Jamil, and Shirley Henderson, Elio focuses on an 11-year-old space enthusiast with an overactive imagination. When he finds himself inadvertently beamed up to the Communiverse and mistakenly identified as Earth’s ambassador to the rest of the universe, he starts to form new bonds with eccentric aliens while discovering who he’s truly meant to be. If that doesn’t scream Pixar, we don’t know what does. For critic Joaquín Teodoro, he calls it an “original idea” that will do what the famed animation studio does best, which is appeal to both kids and their parents:

“What stands out most about Elio is its remarkable world-building and the protagonist’s motivation, as he searches for his purpose and place of belonging. An original idea that, in an era of sequels, feels necessary and will appeal to both adults and children.”

‘Elio’ Brings Back a Pixar Favorite

While Elio is clearly a winner thanks to its unique story and the emotions it manages to evoke in the audience, perhaps the biggest surprise of all is that the film is bringing back a Pixar tradition that hasn’t been seen in nearly 25 years: the blooper reel. The last film to include animated outtakes was Monsters, Inc. in 2001, but they’ve finally returned, and folks couldn’t be happier. Take Animated Antic on X for example, who said:

“I never in my wildest dreams would’ve imagined Pixar returning to making bloopers after twenty-four years, but I am not complaining, and I find it a welcome return. If anything, it makes me more excited to see Elio next week.”

Indeed, a lot of folks are now hyped for Elio based on early reactions to the film, so you better grab your tickets now to check out what’s obviously going to be another smash hit for Pixar. Look for it to hit theaters on June 20, but in the meantime, we’ll leave you with the words of critic Justin Lawrence, who called the film “a vibrant tale about not fitting in — and why that might be your greatest strength.” Oh, we can’t wait to see this one.

Source: X