What Is Pixar’s Elio About?
Pixar’s Elio might not be loudly marketed as a Latino film, but the details say otherwise. The main character is named Elio Solís, he lives with his aunt Olga (voiced by Zoe Saldaña), and there are small but meaningful nods to his cultural background throughout the film.
The story follows Elio, an imaginative 11-year-old from New Jersey who accidentally becomes Earth’s representative in an intergalactic organization known as the Communiverse. What starts as a sci-fi misadventure quickly becomes something deeper, as Elio wrestles with questions of identity, belonging, and how to find your voice when no one’s really listening.
With stunning animation, plenty of heart, and a universe full of quirky alien life, Elio is classic Pixar. And though it might not wear its Latino identity on its sleeve, it quietly offers representation in ways that matter.
Why Highlight Latino Film Critics?
Latino characters are still rare in major studio animation, and Latino film critics are just as underrepresented in entertainment media. That’s why here at Cinelandia USA, we’re always interested in what Latino reviewers have to say—especially when a film like Elio touches on themes that resonate with our communities.
Below are standout quotes from Latino critics, along with links to their full reviews. Their insights bring cultural context and fresh takes to a film that’s already getting people talking.
Latino Critics React to Elio
Carlos Aguilar – IGN
"Elio is a visually stunning journey that captures the essence of childhood wonder and the complexities of grief. It's a testament to Pixar's ability to tell deeply personal stories with universal appeal."
🔗 Read the full review on IGN
Ruben Rosario – Miami Artzine
"With its rich animation and heartfelt narrative, Elio stands out as a poignant tale of self-discovery. The film subtly weaves in cultural elements that resonate deeply."
🔗 Read the full review on Miami Artzine
rosa Parra – The Latino Slant
"Elio beautifully explores themes of humanity and connection. It's a story that, while set among the stars, remains grounded in the emotional realities of its characters."
🔗 Read the full review on The Latino Slant
LYRA HALE – Fangirlish
"Elio evokes the same emotional resonance as classics like Finding Nemo. It's a film that reminds us of the power of storytelling in navigating personal loss and growth."
🔗 Read the full review on Fangirlish
Jason Escamilla – ESKIMOTV
“Pixar’s Elio starts off with a lot of setup — maybe too much. But once the film finds its emotional center, it blossoms into a touching story about loneliness, identity, and acceptance.”
Where to Watch Pixar’s Elio
Elio is now playing in theaters nationwide. Whether you’re going for the animation, the heartfelt story, or to support Latino representation on screen and behind the keyboard, this one is worth a trip to the movies.
🎟️ Check local listings to find a showtime near you.
Editor’s Note: In this story, we used artificial intelligence (AI) to help draft the text. A human editor then reviewed and copyedited it to ensure it met our accuracy standards.