Elio – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

Elio

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2025

82%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Space-obsessed kid accidentally becomes Earth's ambassador to aliens—Pixar does E.T. meets intergalactic diplomacy with heart.

6.7/10

83%

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Elio

movie

PG, 2025

82%

WISE Score

Avg. Tomatometer

Space-obsessed kid accidentally becomes Earth's ambassador to aliens—Pixar does E.T. meets intergalactic diplomacy with heart.

6.7

83%

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Screenwise Verdict

Elio is solid, watchable Pixar—the kind of movie that'll entertain the whole family on a Friday night without anyone checking their phone. It's not reaching the emotional stratosphere of Soul or the creative genius of Inside Out (those 6.7 IMDb and 66 Metacritic scores tell the story), but it's fresh, imaginative, and celebrates the weird kids in the best way.

The space setting is catnip for curious minds, and the 'misfit becomes hero' arc is timeless. Pixar's commitment to visual storytelling means even if the plot is predictable, it'll look gorgeous and spark post-movie play. The themes—identity, belonging, cross-cultural (cross-species?) friendship—are developmentally perfect for the 6–12 crowd.

Is it going to change your kid's life? Probably not. Will it give you 90 minutes of quality family time and maybe inspire a few cardboard-box spaceships? Absolutely. In a world of brain-rot content, that's a win.

Age Fit

Best for ages 6–12, the sweet spot for kids who love space, adventure, and underdog heroes. Older kids and adults will enjoy it too (it's Pixar!), but the protagonist's age and coming-of-age themes will resonate most with elementary/middle schoolers.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Pixar's signature warmth shines through: a story about an underdog kid forming bonds across cultures (er, species), navigating challenges with heart. The 'space fanatic with active imagination' setup suggests positive representation of neurodivergent-coded traits. No red flags in the synopsis about mean-spiritedness or toxic relationships. Docked slightly because we lack detailed plot specifics, but the core premise models cooperation and self-discovery.

Imaginative

Space adventure with alien lifeforms and intergalactic stakes? That's pure imagination fuel. Pixar typically delivers visually stunning worlds that inspire kids to draw, build, and pretend-play for weeks. The 'active imagination' protagonist explicitly celebrates creativity. The cosmic setting invites curiosity about science, astronomy, and the unknown. This is the kind of movie that sends kids to the library asking for space books afterward.

Safe

Common Sense Media rated it for age 6, which aligns with typical Pixar fare—some peril and mild scares during the 'crisis of intergalactic proportions,' but nothing traumatic or graphic. No indicators of violence, death, or inappropriate content. Pixar films can have emotional moments (we all cried during Up), but they handle them with care. The 'adventure/comedy' genres suggest light tone. Disney+ platform is inherently family-safe. Minor deduction for not having full plot details to confirm zero surprises.

Enriching

The 'discover who he is truly meant to be' arc promises character growth and identity exploration—valuable for kids navigating their own sense of self. Forming bonds with alien lifeforms = empathy across differences. Navigating a crisis = problem-solving and resilience. However, without seeing the film, we can't confirm how deeply these themes land or if it's more surface-level fun. Pixar usually delivers meaningful takeaways, but this one's getting mixed-positive reviews (83% RT critics, 6.7 IMDb, 3.4/5 Letterboxd), suggesting it might not reach the emotional/intellectual heights of Inside Out or Coco. Entertaining? Absolutely. Life-changing? Probably not.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Celebrates the quirky, imaginative kid who doesn't quite fit in—great for space nerds and daydreamers
Pixar's animation quality means visually stunning alien worlds that'll spark creativity and play
Themes of forming unlikely friendships and discovering your own identity hit right in the feels
Light comedy tone keeps it fun while still delivering emotional depth
Perfect for families who've exhausted the Toy Story/Finding Nemo catalog and want something fresh

⚠

What to Watch For

Some space adventure peril and mild scares during the intergalactic crisis—nothing traumatic, but younger/sensitive kids might need reassurance
Reviews suggest it's good-not-great Pixar, so temper expectations if you're hoping for another Inside Out
The 'who am I meant to be' arc might prompt big identity questions from kids—be ready for those conversations

Conversation Starters

"If aliens showed up tomorrow, what would you want to tell them about Earth?"
"Elio feels like he doesn't fit in sometimes. Do you ever feel that way? What helps?"
"What do you think it would be like to make friends with someone completely different from you?"
"If you could explore any planet in the universe, where would you go and why?"

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