Pixar’s latest feature, “Elio,” may sound a bit more over-the-top than much of the studio’s filmography, but this alien abduction tale still puts the emotion right out in front. Ahead of the film’s June 20th release, Pixar invited Next Best Picture to the studio for an early look at the making of “Elio,” showcasing the film’s otherworldly animation, sci-fi influences, and classic coming-of-age themes. The film has had a bit of a bumpy road, changing directors mid-production, but the early footage doesn’t seem any worse for the delay.
While the trailers have leaned heavily into the fantastical aliens, “Elio” opens on a much more somber note, hinting at the deep heart hidden in this journey to another galaxy. In an emotional opening sequence, Elio (voiced by Yonas Kibreab) struggles to figure out his place in the world after the death of his parents, while his aunt Olga (Zoe Saldaña) similarly struggles to care for her nephew while working a demanding job in the military. Soon, Elio, feeling alone here on Earth, becomes enamored with outer space and desperately begs aliens, anywhere, to abduct him. Eventually, that plea works, and Elio is whisked off to the Communiverse, a meeting place where aliens gather to share and work together.
Directors Domee Shi and Madeline Sharafian describe “Elio” as a film about feeling alone in the world, but they say that we shouldn’t write everyone off just yet. “There’s sort of this very pessimistic view of planet Earth as a whole, which might be a relatable feeling right now,” says Sharafian. “(Elio) thinks, you know, there’s no way Earth could ever be a place for me, and it’s completely written off.” On the same note, Shi says, “Our world seems more isolated than ever. So, our hope is that this movie just encourages us all to come together and observe and marvel at the stars and think of our own place in the universe together.” Though loneliness and isolation may not be the brightest themes, Shi and Sharafian infuse “Elio” with plenty of energy. A hilarious early sequence set to Talking Heads’ “Once in a Lifetime“ features Elio’s many attempts trying (and failing) to get abducted. “We wanted it to feel like this nostalgic sci-fi movie with modern twists,“ Shi says.
While Pixar has explored science fiction before, as recently as 2022’s “Lightyear,” “Elio“ features dozens of complex alien species, all aboard a unique structure called the Communiverse. Bringing this world to life requires next-level animation and careful design. Production designer Harley Jessup (“Monsters Inc.,” “Coco“) created a four-layered rotating layout for the Communiverse, allowing aliens of all kinds to find a place in the structure. Animators utilized an extensive spreadsheet to keep the distinctive characteristics of each alien species straight. To make more visual space, Sharafian pushed for a 2.39:1 aspect ratio. “If we’re doing a sci-fi movie, shouldn’t we be doing it in widescreen?“ she recalls asking.
Though this story originated with Adrian Molina (“Coco“), who retains a director credit on “Elio,” Shi and Sharafian took over the project in a shake-up. Producer Mary Alice Drumm was quick to give Molina credit for his personal origins of the story, including growing up in an Air Force family. “One of the keys that he brought to the film at the beginning was just growing up as an artist in a family that was, maybe, more military. He felt a little bit out of place,” Drumm says. However, Shi and Sharafian also poured their own experiences of feeling out of place into the story along the way. “For Elio, it’s aliens. For me, it was anime,” Shi recalls. “Every single day, I would hope and dream that I could get to a place, like animation school or Pixar, where people understood all the references.” For the filmmakers, the Communiverse became a stand-in for the places where they truly, finally, felt seen.
Like all good sci-fi epics, Shi and Sharafian hope audiences take in their film on the biggest screen possible. “We’re committed to making that sort of intense cinema experience,” Sharafian says. “And the score is a big highlight of this movie. It’s a music-forward movie. We turned up the score. So, the best way to experience the sound and picture at the same time is in the theatre.” While Pixar only showcased pieces of the film, the footage from “Elio” held up to that description. Audiences will be transported to the Communiverse when it hits theaters this June.
Will you be catching “Elio” in theaters? Does this first look match up with your impressions from the trailers? Do you think “Elio” will be an awards contender later this year? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below or over on our X account.
