[Movie Reviews]: Elio Christian Review: 10 Things You Should Know Before Taking the Kids

Movie Reviews

As parents navigating the massive wave of entertainment hitting our screens in 2026, it can feel like a full-time job just to filter what our children are consuming. Disney and Pixar's Elio has been one of the most anticipated releases, promising a cosmic adventure that takes us far beyond the stars. But as Christian families, we know that a movie is never "just a movie." Every story carries a worldview, and every character teaches our children something about identity, purpose, and the nature of the universe.

I sat down to watch Elio with a heart for discernment, wanting to see how this story about an underdog boy mistakenly identified as the Ambassador for Earth holds up under a biblical lens. Whether you are planning a theater trip or a family movie night at home, here is the breakdown of what you need to know to lead your family with wisdom and grace.

The Heart of the Story

Elio follows the journey of Elio Solis, an eleven-year-old with an overactive imagination who finds it difficult to fit in. He's a sensitive soul, often feeling like an outsider in his own world. When he accidentally makes contact with the "Communiverse": a massive intergalactic organization of aliens: he is beamed up and tasked with representing Earth.

The film leans heavily into themes of courage and the struggle to find one's voice. From a Christian perspective, there is a lot to love about the central message of an "unlikely hero." We see this throughout Scripture: God using the small, the overlooked, and the misunderstood to accomplish great things. However, the "how" of Elio's journey is where we need to apply our critical thinking.

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10 Things You Should Know Before Taking the Kids

1. The Theme of Identity and Belonging

The movie spends a lot of time on Elio's struggle to find where he belongs. For Christian parents, this is a beautiful opening to talk about how our true identity isn't found in being "the best" or even in being an "ambassador" to a galaxy, but in being a child of God. Elio feels like a mistake at the start of the film, but the narrative shows him that he has value. We can reinforce that this value comes from being made in the Image of God (Imago Dei).

2. The Portrayal of "The Communiverse"

The "Communiverse" is Pixar's version of a United Nations for the galaxy. It is diverse, strange, and visually stunning. However, it presents a very pluralistic view of existence. There are thousands of species, each with its own "truth" and way of life. While this makes for great sci-fi, it's worth discussing with kids that while we live in a diverse world, we believe in an objective Truth found in Christ.

3. The Mother-Son Relationship

Elio's mother, Olga, is a strong character working on a top-secret project. Their relationship is the emotional anchor of the film. It's refreshing to see a supportive, albeit busy, parent-child dynamic. It reminds me of the importance of finding beauty in the ordinary moments we share with our children, even when life feels like a high-stakes mission.

4. Handling Fear and the "Unknown"

The aliens in Elio range from adorable to slightly intimidating. For younger or more sensitive children, the abduction scene and some of the more grotesque alien designs might be a bit much. If your child is prone to nightmares, you may want to preview a few clips first.

5. Cosmic Mysticism vs. Biblical Creation

The film touches on the "oneness" of the universe. It's a common trope in modern animation: the idea that we are all connected by a nebulous cosmic energy. This is a far cry from the personal Creator we serve. It's a great opportunity to check out some fresh faith reviews to see how other 2026 trends are pushing similar ideas.

6. Language and Humor

Pixar is generally safe, but Elio does lean into some "potty humor" and slapstick that some parents find tedious. There are a few instances of name-calling (like "weirdo" or "loser") that are used to establish Elio's status as an outcast. While not "foul" language, it's a good moment to talk about how we use our words to build others up rather than tear them down.

7. The Concept of "The Ambassador"

Elio has to fake it until he makes it. He pretends to be the leader of Earth because he's afraid of what will happen if he tells the truth. This "lie for the greater good" is a common movie trope, but it's worth discussing with kids: Is it ever okay to lie to save yourself? How does honesty play into our witness as Christians?

8. Visual Intensity and "Sensory Overload"

The colors and lights in the Communiverse scenes are incredibly bright and fast-moving. For children with sensory sensitivities, this movie could be overwhelming. It's a visual feast, but it moves at a breakneck pace that doesn't leave much room for quiet reflection.

9. Diversity and Globalism

The film clearly aims to represent a global audience. Elio's heritage is celebrated, and the aliens themselves are metaphors for different cultures. This is a positive takeaway, showing that every tribe and tongue has a seat at the table: a theme we see reflected in the Book of Revelation.

10. The Absence of Faith

As with most secular films, God is absent from the conversation. The universe is governed by a council of aliens, not a sovereign Lord. As parents, we can fill in those gaps by showing our children that while the stars are vast and mysterious, they are the work of His fingers (Psalm 8:3).

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Christian Safety Rating

Overall Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars Elio is a generally safe, high-quality film that offers more to discuss than to fear. It avoids the heavy-handed agendas found in some other recent releases, focusing instead on a classic "hero's journey."

The Breakdown:

• Cursing: 0 (Only mild insults like "weirdo" or "idiot" used by bullies).

• Gore/Violence: 1/5. Mostly cartoonish peril, being chased by aliens, and some mild sci-fi "zapping." No blood or graphic injuries.

• Sexuality/Nudity: 0/5. Completely clean in this regard.

• Spirituality/The Occult: 2/5. No "magic" in the traditional sense, but lots of "space mysticism" and the idea that the universe itself has a consciousness or collective will.

Takeaway / Next Step

The biggest takeaway from Elio isn't about aliens; it's about the courage to be who you were created to be, even when the world (or the galaxy) doesn't understand you. For our kids, this is a vital lesson in self-growth and learning to love like Jesus: treating everyone as a priceless child of God, no matter how "alien" they may seem to us.

As a next step, I encourage you to use this movie as a bridge. After the credits roll, don't just head to the car. Ask your kids: "If you were the Ambassador for Earth, what is the one thing you would want the galaxy to know about why we need a Savior?" It turns a simple movie night into a moment of discipleship.

In a world full of digital distractions, keeping our homes safe and focused on faith is a priority. If you're looking for tools to help with that, you might want to compare options like Bark vs. Covenant Eyes to ensure your family's media consumption stays within healthy boundaries.

Reach out to me on the site if you have more questions about navigating 2026's biggest films with your family. Visiting helps raise funds for families who lost children at no cost.

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