A movie review by Janice Robinson-Celeste, Publisher & CEO of Successful Black Parenting Magazine. “We were invited to an early screening of Elio with a few fun extras, and I’m excited to share my honest thoughts.”
🎬 Spoiler Alert: This review contains mild spoilers. Pixar’s Elio opens in theaters this Friday.
Yesterday, my family and I attended an exclusive sneak peek screening of Pixar’s Elio, and let me tell you, this movie is out of this world. As the publisher and CEO of Successful Black Parenting Magazine, I get to preview a lot of family films. Still, Elio truly stands out for its heart, humor, and powerful message about embracing your authentic self.
We also left with some awesome Elio swag, which my family is still excited about, but the real gift was the story itself. At its core, Elio is about what it feels like not to fit in and how beautiful it is when you finally accept your authentic self and find your tribe.
What is Pixar’s Elio About?
Elio is a creative, awkward, and lovable kid who’s just trying to figure out where he belongs. He doesn’t quite fit in at school, at home, or in his community. But when a galactic twist of fate accidentally launches him into space, he’s mistaken for Earth’s official ambassador to the universe.
From there, Elio embarks on a heartfelt space adventure filled with colorful alien life, big laughs, and deep emotional moments. It’s a classic Pixar blend of stunning animation, relatable humor, and touching honesty.
“As Black parents, many of us raise children who navigate systems that don’t always see them for who they truly are.”
– Janice Robinson-Celeste
Why Elio Matters for Families, Especially Black Families
While the film doesn’t directly explore Black family dynamics, its central themes of sometimes feeling like an outsider, embracing your uniqueness, and finding like-minded friends are universal. As Black parents, many of us raise children who navigate systems that don’t always see them for who they truly are.
Watching Elio grow into himself, finding his voice in a space that finally listens, struck a chord with me. His journey reminded me of many of our children who are brilliant, curious, beautifully different, and just waiting for the right space to shine.
The story also reflects a deeper, familiar feeling in our community: the urge to escape. Whether emotionally or physically, many of us have longed to leave the place we are and find somewhere that feels like home. That longing is present throughout Elio’s journey and adds emotional depth for older viewers.
Representation and Nontraditional Families
One of the most refreshing parts of Elio is its portrayal of a nontraditional family. Elio is raised by a single aunt who is strong, intelligent, and loving. She juggles her new unexpected role as a parent and a high-stakes government job, all while trying to be supportive of her nephew’s uniqueness. Their bond is deeper than they first realize. This kind of representation matters, especially for children in households that don’t follow the traditional mold.
Final Thoughts: Should You See Elio?
Yes! Take the whole family this weekend. There is something in Elio for everyone.
For kids, it’s a funny, exciting space adventure.
For parents, it’s a reminder that our children don’t need to be ‘fixed.’ They need to be understood.
And for anyone who has ever felt out of place, it’s a gentle reminder that there is always a place where you belong. Elio shows us that being different isn’t something to hide. It’s something to celebrate.
Elio opens in theaters this Friday. Don’t miss this beautiful story about identity, courage, and connection. For more parenting reviews and resources, visit SuccessfulBlackParenting.com and invite a friend.
Disclosure: Successful Black Parenting Magazine received complimentary movie tickets, food, and promotional items from Pixar in exchange for attending the sneak peek screening of Elio. However, all opinions expressed in this review are those of the author and reflect our honest thoughts about the film.
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