June 23, 2025 – This is not a movie I was looking forward to seeing, and so I was pleasantly surprised to discover just how good it is. I went to see it mainly because it is being shown in 3D, and I actively support this format. More important than the format, however, is the fact that this movie has a deeply satisfying emotional message.

This is a Pixar movie, and like many Pixar movies, it is designed to appeal to the whole family, with jokes and pratfalls for the kids and an emotional message about growing up that adults can relate to. This movie has a very powerful message about family ties and the love that parents have for their children even when it isn't obvious. This is a very human thing, which in this case is demonstrated by aliens in outer space.

Elio is a lonely young boy whose parents were killed in an accident. He is being raised by his aunt, Olga, an Air Force major, who is trying to balance the unfamiliar new role of parenthood with her military obligations. Elio knows that Olga wants to pursue a career as an astronaut, but had to give that up to care for him. Now, she is reduced to tracking space junk in earth orbit. He feels like an unwanted burden.

When Elio becomes aware of the possibility of life beyond the earth, he becomes obsessed with contacting extraterrestrials in the hope of being abducted. He figures there are plenty of other worlds out there, so there must be one where he is wanted. He seems to be totally unaware that he is loved, and wanted by Olga.

The aliens have heard his message and they do come for him. This is everything he has dreamed of, an extraterrestrial realm full of wonder. He is hailed by the aliens of the peaceful “Communiverse” as earth's official ambassador. Things quickly go sour, however, when Lord Grigon, an evil emperor threatens the Communiverse, and none of the other ambassadors has the courage to face him. Impulsively, Elio volunteers to negotiate with Lord Grigon, putting himself in harm's way.

There are many twists and turns to this story before Elio makes peace with Olga and finally confronts his own shortcomings, along with Lord Grigon. Elio finally makes a friend, who happens to be an alien, and the Communiverse eventually discovers Elio is just a boy, not the king of earth. Despite his misunderstandings and his crazy gambles, Elio finally prevails by being brave, kind and compassionate.

This movie shows great visual imagination, in addition to its heartwarming story. This is the sort of thing that Pixar does so well in the best of its features, and it scores another hit with this movie. This movie rates a B+. I was especially pleased to hear the voice of the late Carl Sagan on the movie soundtrack. Sagan was a famous astronomer who chaired the committee which selected the contents of the golden records attached to the two Voyager probes. Voyager, and the golden records are referenced in this movie.

Click here for links to places to buy or rent this movie in digital formats, or to buy the soundtrack, posters, books, even used videos, games, electronics and lots of other stuff (no extra charges apply). I suggest you shop at least two of these places before buying anything. Prices seem to vary continuously. For more information on this film, click on this link to The Internet Movie Database. Type in the name of the movie in the search box and press enter. You will be able to find background information on the film, the actors, and links to much more information.

Copyright © 2025 Robert Roten. All rights reserved.
Reproduced with the permission of the copyright holder.

Robert Roten can be reached via e-mail at