Dickens & Rumi
Cover of Elio

film

Elio

2025

Elio, a space fanatic with an active imagination, finds himself on a cosmic misadventure where he must form new bonds with eccentric alien lifeforms, navigate a crisis of intergalactic proportions and somehow discover who he is truly meant to be.

Ages 8+Source checked

Why this age? Best suited to about age 8+ because of parental death, bullying, peril, imprisonment, warlike conflict and a suspenseful rescue, balanced by humor, friendship and reassuring resolution. This is guidance, not a safety guarantee; reading level and family context may differ.

Quick view

At a glance

Recommended age8+

Strongest cautions

  • Death of a character3/5
  • Frightening scenes3/5
  • Violence3/5

Strongest positives

  • Courage & resilience4/5
  • Creativity & curiosity4/5
  • Kindness & empathy4/5

What’s in it?

Products & advertising1/5
Why this rating?

Typical marketing associated with a major studio animated film.

Death of a character3/5
Why this rating?

Elio has lost both parents, and his clone sacrifices himself while distracting the military; grief and loss are important to the story.

Graphic injury1/5
Why this rating?

No graphic gore; injuries are portrayed in a standard animated adventure format.

Strong language1/5
Why this rating?

Bullying and mild name-calling are indicated, but no strong profanity or slurs are identified.

Frightening scenes3/5
Why this rating?

Children face bullies, abduction, alien threats, imprisonment, a dangerous debris field and a sick child in peril; humor and fantasy soften the tension.

Violence3/5
Why this rating?

Bullying, a fight causing an eye injury, military pursuit, alien troops, imprisonment and conflict occur, but violence is largely animated and not graphic.

What’s good in it?

Courage & resilience4/5
Why this rating?

Elio repeatedly faces fear, isolation and danger to protect a friend and repair the crisis, while the story distinguishes courage from recklessness.

Creativity & curiosity4/5
Why this rating?

Space imagination, alien world-building, ham-radio communication and inventive rescue plans strongly encourage curiosity and creative problem-solving.

Diverse representation3/5
Why this rating?

Features a diverse cast of alien species and a protagonist from a specific cultural background.

Educational value2/5
Why this rating?

The film offers light exposure to Voyager, radio communication, space, alien societies and problem-solving, though entertainment is its main purpose.

Kindness & empathy4/5
Why this rating?

Friendship, comforting others, reconciliation and protecting Glordon are central, with empathy helping resolve the main conflict.

Positive messages4/5
Why this rating?

Strong themes support belonging, honesty, empathy, family reconciliation, cooperation and resisting harmful expectations placed on children.

Good role models3/5
Why this rating?

Elio and his aunt are portrayed as caring and capable; Elio learns to lead through negotiation rather than force.

Family discussion

Talk about it

Conversation starters based on this title’s published content notes.

  1. What did courage look like in this story? Was being brave always the same as being fearless?
  2. How did the story approach death or loss? What helped the characters cope?
  3. Which choice in Elio would you have made differently, and why?
  4. Who changed the most in Elio, and what caused that change?
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These content notes are a starting point, not a guarantee. Review the evidence and use your own judgment before choosing a title.

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