Cosmic romp Elio may lack originality but makes up for it in heart

The story is predictable and the visual identity a little overblown, but Pixar's latest release is still well worth a watch - if only for its love of space. By Sam Spiller

- By Sam Spiller

Not to get political, but one benefit of modern-day conspiracy theories is that, today, believing in aliens is rather ... pedestrian. We should treat it as an opportunity to get excited again about the idea of meeting creatures from another world. Elio, Pixar's latest cinematic outing, got that message loud and clear, and we're left all the more emotionally wrecked for it.

The film tells the story of Elio (voiced by Yonas Kibreab), an 11-year-old boy whose family-related tragedy has left him in the care of his loving but begrudging aunt Olga (Zoe Saldaña). Convinced that extraterrestrial life must exist, Elio is constantly going the extra mile to make first contact and/or get abducted.

Going that extra mile eventually lands him in hot water and stuck at a military camp. But soon after, the universe replies to his calls and transports him to the alien Communiverse, believing him to be Earth's ambassador. And though Elio is seemingly happy, making new friends, the situation becomes complicated, leaving him wondering about what his true place in space is.

The biggest flaw that