[Movie Reviews]: Looking For an Elio Christian Review? Here Are 10 Things Every Family Should Know

Movie Reviews

Finding a movie that the whole family can enjoy without constantly reaching for the remote to skip a scene is becoming a bit of a challenge these days. When Pixar announced Elio, many of us in the Christian community leaned in with curiosity. We want stories that spark imagination but also align with the values we’re trying to instill in our kids.

If you’ve been searching for an Elio Christian review, you’re likely looking for more than just a "thumbs up" or "thumbs down." You want to know if the themes of identity, sacrifice, and the wonders of the universe are handled in a way that opens doors for faith-based conversations at the dinner table.

In this guide, I’m breaking down everything you need to know about this intergalactic adventure, from its safety rating to the spiritual parallels you can draw with your children.

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Christian Safety Rating: 4 out of 5 Stars

Safety Summary: Elio is generally a very safe, high-quality film for families. It leans heavily into themes of courage and belonging. While it takes place in a secular "material heavens" setting, it avoids many of the common pitfalls found in modern animation.

• Language: 2 slightly crass terms (minor "potty humor" or mild insults).

• Violence: Minimal. There is a warlord character who uses smaller aliens for target practice, and references to an armored torture chamber with spikes. However, the violence is stylized and not graphic.

• Sexual Content: None.

• Gore: None.

• Other Considerations: Themes of parental loss (grief), lying/deception (Elio pretends to be someone he’s not), and adult wine consumption in the background.

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1. The Core Theme of Identity

At the heart of Elio is a young boy who doesn't quite fit in. He’s artistic, sensitive, and struggles with the weight of being "different." When he’s accidentally beamed up to the Communiverse (an intergalactic organization of aliens), he is mistaken for the leader of Earth.

For Christian families, this is a perfect opening to discuss where our true identity comes from. Elio spends a good portion of the movie trying to live up to a false identity. We can remind our kids that our value doesn't come from our title, our "leader" status, or what others think of us, but from being a child of God.

2. Handling Loneliness and Connection

Elio is a lonely kid. He’s dealing with the loss of his parents and feels isolated from his peers. The movie does a beautiful job showing his discovery that he was never truly alone. This mirrors the Christian message that God is always with us, even in our darkest moments of isolation. It’s a great way to talk to kids about the "unseen" presence of the Holy Spirit and how God places people (or even strange aliens!) in our lives to provide community.

3. The Power of Sacrificial Love

One of the most moving parts of the film is Elio’s relationship with his alien friend, Glordon. Without giving too much away, the narrative highlights sacrificial love as a high virtue. Elio eventually reaches a point where he is willing to risk his own safety to save his friend. As parents, we can point to this as a reflection of the ultimate sacrifice Jesus made for us. When we see a character give of themselves for another, it’s a "mini-gospel" moment we shouldn't miss.

4. Lying and Its Consequences

Because Elio is mistaken for the leader of Earth, he goes along with the lie. He’s scared and feels he has no choice. While the movie doesn't strictly "condemn" him in a legalistic way, we see the stress and complications that come with deception. This is a great opportunity to talk about why we value truth. Even when we’re scared, like Elio, God wants us to walk in the light because "the truth will set you free."

5. Dealing with Grief and Loss

The backstory of Elio’s parents adds a layer of emotional depth that might be heavy for very young or sensitive children. He is processing trauma, and his behavior: sometimes erratic or rule-breaking: stems from that hurt. If your family has experienced loss, this movie can be a bridge to discuss how we process sadness and how God is the "Father to the fatherless."

6. The "Unlikely Hero" Trope

The Bible is full of unlikely heroes: David, Gideon, Mary. Elio fits this mold perfectly. He is small, overlooked, and misunderstood, yet he is the one chosen to represent an entire planet. It’s a classic reminder that God doesn't look at the outward appearance but at the heart. We can encourage our children that they don't have to be the loudest or strongest person in the room to be used by God for something great.

7. Stewardship of the Universe

The "Communiverse" is a vast, creative, and diverse place. While the film presents this from a sci-fi perspective, we can view it through the lens of Psalm 19:1: "The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands." It’s a chance to marvel at the creativity of the Creator. If the universe in a movie is this colorful and diverse, how much more incredible is the real one God spoken into existence?

8. Discerning Worldviews

In Elio, the "heavens" are strictly material: populated by aliens and governed by an intergalactic council. Some families might want to discuss the difference between the "material heavens" of science fiction and the spiritual reality of Heaven. It’s a subtle but important distinction to help kids develop a Christian worldview where they can enjoy a fun story without confusing it with theological truth.

9. Parental Roles and Support

Elio’s mother plays a significant role in the film, showing a strong, protective parental bond even from a distance. In a world where many movies portray parents as bumbling or unnecessary, it’s refreshing to see a parental figure who is actively trying to help and guide their child, even when they are lightyears apart.

10. The Responsibility of Representation

As the "ambassador" for Earth, Elio realizes that his actions reflect on everyone back home. This is a fantastic parallel to being an ambassador for Christ (2 Corinthians 5:20). Just as Elio has to learn how to represent Earth well to the aliens, we are called to represent the Kingdom of Heaven to the world around us.

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Takeaway / Next Step

The next time you sit down for a movie night, don’t just let the credits roll and head to bed. Use Elio as a starting point for a "Faith and Film" discussion.

Ask your kids:

1. Why do you think Elio felt like he had to lie about being a leader?

2. Have you ever felt lonely like Elio did? How does knowing God is with you change that?

3. What did Elio’s sacrifice for Glordon remind you of?

If you're looking for more ways to protect your family in the digital age, check out our quick start guide to digital safety. Staying informed about what our children consume is one of the best ways we can lead our homes with intention.

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I’d love to hear your thoughts on the film! Did your family find the same parallels, or did something else stand out to you? Feel free to reach out to me on the site.

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