Loving space is something that either consumes you or you don’t get it. There really isn’t an in between. And the new Pixar film Elio shows us how that love can feel isolating but open up a world of joy as well.
Elio (Yonas Kibreab) is a young boy who has to live with his Aunt Olga (Zoe Saldaña) after his parents die. She is trying to relate to him but all Elio wants to do is be taken by aliens. He feels like it is the only way he can belong and it allows for the movie to really sing for those of us who have ever felt like outcasts.
Within Elio’s world, he is moved by the idea of life somewhere else. He lays on the floor of the space museum and cries when a voice (Kate Mulgrew) explains the Voyager project. All of that to me is something I am so incredibly moved by. I am a space kid. Thinking of aliens being out there, taking us to space and showing us how beautiful it is in the stars? That’s appealing and I love that Elio never really makes that a bad thing for Elio.
Yes, his aunt wants him to live here on earth and the kids around Elio make fun of him, but only after Elio ended up getting two in trouble. He’s not mocked for loving aliens out right, they use it against him and that’s sad to me, but he is so lost in trying to leave Earth that he doesn’t see that he’s pushing people away. What it takes is Elio finally getting his wish to see what everyone on Earth was trying to each him.
I would protect this alien slug with my life
Glordon (Remy Edgerly) is a slug-like alien who Elio meets when he tries to negotiate with Lord Grigon (Brad Garrett). Glordon is Grigon’s son and he doesn’t want to be that aggressive leader his father is. He’s sweet, kind, and wants to be friends with Elio and their unlikely team-up is what makes Elio an incredibly moving and sweet story.
Elio felt alone while on Earth but spending time with Glordon showed up how he could not only be himself, but be a friend. The two are close and listen to each other and it allows Elio to understand what he needs to do for himself to be a better friend and kid all at once. The two are just young boys running around a giant space ship and it’s fun to watch.
What Elio does is remind us that even when we do feel completely alone and like we do not have anyone on our side, there are ways we can connect with others. Your friends can love the same things you do, they can be there for you when you feel alone, and that’s the main lesson of Elio. But also, if you love space, keep loving space. You’re not a “weird” kid for loving aliens. You’re unique and cool!
(featured image: Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
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