Pixar’s latest hits hard from the outset.  This isn’t an animated feature about cute talking animals going on goofy misadventures.  The opening scene introduces us to Elio (Kibreab), an 11-year-old who has recently moved in with his Aunt Olga (Saldaña) following the tragic death of his mum and dad in a car crash.  It’s an intensely painful event for both with the preteen Elio retreating into his “shell” and struggling emotionally, while the kind-hearted Olga puts her career ambitions on hold (she wants to be astronaut) to raise her nephew.

A trip to an air and space museum lifts Elio’s spirits in a quirky, unusual way.  He becomes fascinated by extraterrestrial life!  So much so that, unhappy with life on Earth, he sends a message into the cosmos asking aliens to abduct him.  His wish comes true when an intergalactic spaceship beams him up, mistakes him as Earth’s leader, and then has him lead a complex negotiation against the insecure warmonger Lord Grigon (Garrett) who seeks control of the universe.  It provides a coming-of-age awakening for Elio who makes new friends but, in the process, learns life isn’t easy no matter what planet you’re from.

As always, it’s nice to engage with an animated movie which isn’t a sequel, spin-off or remake.  Elio tackles an array of themes including trauma, loneliness, sacrifice, courage, friendship and family.  I don’t think every subplot works (some are rushed) but kids of different ages will find an “in point” to connect with these characters.  Mature children will tap into the film’s heavier, emotional material.  Those younger can still have fun with the vibrant aliens and the four-eyed villain, distinctively voiced by Emmy winner Brad Garrett (Everybody Loves Raymond).

It’s unusual to see three directors credited with a film’s creation.  Adrian Molina, a co-writer of 2017’s Coco, kickstarted the project but stepped away partway through to work on a Coco sequel.  The reins were then handed to Domee Shi (Turning Red) and first-time feature director Madeline Sharafian to see Elio through to completion.  They’ve done a nice job bring the aliens to life – from Remy Edgerly as a playful worm through to Scottish actress Shirley Henderson as a tiny, blob-like supercomputer.  The use of colour and light also stands out.

It’s not “top shelf” Pixar but Elio is an amiable outing to occupy the kids over the winter school holidays.