Directed by
Adrian Molina
Made by
Walt Disney Pictures
Read the complete plot summary and ending explained for Elio (2025). From turning points to emotional moments, uncover what really happened and why it matters.
The film begins with a young Elio Solis, portrayed by Yonas Kibreab, visiting an air and space museum with his aunt, Major Olga Solis. Following the tragic loss of his parents, Elio has struggled to fit in with his peers and form meaningful connections. While exploring the museum, he stumbles upon an exhibit featuring the Voyager 1 spacecraft, which ignites his fascination with outer space and the tantalizing possibility of extraterrestrial life.
As the years pass, Elio develops a deep obsession with the idea of meeting aliens, often fantasizing about being abducted. He notes a disengagement with Olga, attributing it to her sacrifice of her dreams of becoming an astronaut for his upbringing. During one of his nightly excursions to the beach in hopes of contact, Elio encounters two boys, Bryce (portrayed by Young Dylan) and Caleb (played by Jake Getman). A clash ensues, culminating in Elio accidentally injuring himself with his ham radio, leading to his aunt picking him up from the hospital sporting a patch over his eye.
Frustrated, Olga takes Elio to work at her base, where they meet Gunther Melmac (played by Brendan Hunt), a scientist who believes they have received a message from another planet via the Voyager. Intrigued, Elio sneaks into the room and leaves a message expressing his desire to venture into space, but the message inadvertently triggers a blackout at the station. Angered by the incident, Olga resolves to send him to a summer camp, The Carver Academy. Feeling neglected, Elio argues that Olga is not family, deeply straining their relationship.
At camp, Elio discovers that his newfound friends, Bryce and Caleb, are present, while he continues his quest to communicate with aliens, causing friction with the bullies. Meanwhile, at Olga’s workplace, glitches arise on the computers as the message “Bring us your leader, please” flashes. As Elio tries to escape the bullies, a portal opens, pulling him into a realm of cosmic intrigue known as the Communiverse, where leaders from various planets converge to share knowledge.
Once inside, he encounters the liquid supercomputer, OOOOO, who assists Elio in connecting with extraterrestrial diplomats including Ambassador Questa, Ambassador Helix, and Ambassador Tegmen. They mistakenly believe he is the genuine leader of Earth. Yet, the peace is threatened by the tyrannical Lord Grigon, a menacing figure from the Hylurkian race, who seeks domination of the Communiverse. Faced with imminent danger, the ambassadors prefer to send Elio home, but he offers to confront Grigon directly to prove himself.
With guidance from OOOOO, Elio creates a clone dubbed “Other Elio” to maintain his presence on Earth. Upon arrival at Grigon’s ship, Elio attempts diplomacy but fails, ending up imprisoned by Grigon. At the same time, Other Elio returns home, impressing Olga with his newfound sociability after receiving a more amicable persona from camp.
In the dungeons, Elio befriends Grigon’s kindhearted son, Glordon, who is imprisoned and reveals his innocent nature. Together, they hatch a plan to leverage Glordon as a bargaining chip against his father. They evade danger, with Elio hiding within Glordon’s mouth to escape lava. Ultimately, they communicate with Grigon, and in a comical twist, Elio uses Glordon’s innocence to negotiate peace, pulling off a ruse that leads to Grigon’s reluctant agreement to back down.
However, the tension escalates as Grigon realizes he’s been duped when Elio’s clone fails to convince him. Enraged, he captures the ambassadors and wreaks havoc in search of Glordon. After chaos ensues, Elio is transported back to Earth, where he finds himself questioning his identity as Other Elio takes his place.
Facing adversities head-on, Elio joins forces with Olga to confront Grigon back at the military base after Glordon’s ship crash-lands on Earth. Following a touching reunion, they hastily prepare for a voyage to save the Communiverse. The ship’s journey is perilous as it nears a debris belt, but through teamwork and camaraderie, they skillfully navigate to safety.
Upon reaching the Communiverse, Elio and Olga confront a desperate Grigon, who is utterly transformed seeing his son in danger. In a moment of clarity, he renounces his tyrannical ways, embracing Glordon’s wish to carve his own path. Elio is finally recognized as an ambassador himself, but he chooses to return home to be with Olga, leaving the door open for future adventures.
The story concludes with Elio and Olga witnessing their return to Earth, where both the camp and the military base rejoice at their arrival. In a playful end credit scene, Elio and Bryce reconnect using his ham radio to reach out to Glordon. The closing shot hints at further cosmic tales in the upcoming Pixar adventure, “Hoppers.”
Follow the complete movie timeline of Elio (2025) with every major event in chronological order. Great for understanding complex plots and story progression.
Elio's Museum Visit
The film begins with young Elio Solis visiting an air and space museum with his aunt, Major Olga Solis. This trip sparks Elio's fascination with outer space and the prospect of extraterrestrial life, setting the tone for his subsequent obsessions.
Elio's Alien Obsession
Over the years, Elio's fascination evolves into a profound obsession with aliens, which isolates him further from connecting with other kids. Despite Olga's attempts to bond with him, Elio feels abandoned as he struggles to cope with the loss of his parents.
Hospital Incident
During a visit to the beach, Elio encounters two boys, Bryce and Caleb, leading to a scuffle. The incident escalates, resulting in Elio injuring his eye, which requires a hospital visit and leaves him with a patch.
Message from Earth
While at Olga's work base, Elio sneaks in during a crucial meeting and sends a playful message into space, hoping for contact with aliens. Unfortunately, the message inadvertently triggers a blackout at the station, causing Olga to become furious with him.
Summer Camp Announcement
After the chaos caused by the message, Olga decides to send Elio to The Carver Academy summer camp in an attempt to improve his social skills. Feeling rejected, Elio's resentment towards her grows, culminating in a heated argument.
The Camp Experience
At summer camp, Elio is disheartened to find Bryce and Caleb among his peers. Nevertheless, he persists in trying to communicate with aliens while navigating the challenges presented by the bullies.
Portal to the Communiverse
During a confrontation with the bullies, an unexpected portal opens in the sky, sucking Elio into the Communiverse, where he meets alien leaders. This moment marks a pivotal transformation in Elio's journey as he is mistaken for Earth's leader.
Encounter with Grigon
While in the Communiverse, Elio is confronted by Lord Grigon, an aggressive tyrant eager to take over. Elio, eager to prove himself, volunteers to negotiate with Grigon, believing it will expedite his recognition as an ambassador.
Imprisonment and Friendship
After a diplomatic misstep leads to Grigon's anger, Elio finds himself imprisoned in the dungeon. There, he meets Grigon's son, Glordon, who is surprisingly kind and helps Elio devise a plan for escape.
Bargaining Chip Strategy
Elio and Glordon hatch a clever plan to use Glordon as leverage against his father during negotiations with Grigon. This strategy showcases Elio's growth in confidence and cunning as he seeks to protect his new friend.
Clone Creation
With help from OOOOO, Elio creates a clone of himself to maintain his role on Earth while he deals with Grigon. This clone becomes pivotal in navigating the challenges that arise back home.
Grigon's Fury
The plan spirals out of control as Grigon discovers Elio's deception. In a fit of rage, he threatens the ambassadors and hunts for Glordon, leading to a chaotic confrontation that puts everyone at risk.
Rescue Operation
After managing to escape from Grigon's clutches, Elio and Olga make a daring return to save Glordon. They work together, leveraging Elio's ingenuity and their newfound bond to navigate through danger.
Father-Son Reconciliation
Elio witnesses Grigon's heartfelt reunion with Glordon, showcasing the strength of familial love. Their connection leads to a transformative moment for Grigon, who begins to change his ways.
Return to Earth
The journey culminates as Elio and Olga return to Earth with a new understanding of their bond. They carry the experiences from the Communiverse back home, symbolizing growth, companionship, and adventure.
Explore all characters from Elio (2025). Get detailed profiles with their roles, arcs, and key relationships explained.
Elio Solis
Elio is a young, imaginative boy struggling with the loss of his parents and a sense of disconnect from his life and family. His obsession with aliens reflects a deeper yearning for connection and adventure, showcasing courage and growth as he navigates his experiences in both the earthly and alien realms.
Major Olga Solis
Olga is a devoted aunt trying to provide stability for Elio after their family's tragedy. Her character is a balance of strength and vulnerability, as she attempts to connect with Elio while grappling with her unfulfilled dreams of being an astronaut. Her journey parallels Elio's, leading to a reconciliation of their roles in each other's lives.
Lord Grigon
Grigon is portrayed as a menacing and tyrannical figure representing adversity within the narrative. His character highlights themes of parental influence and the expectations placed on one's offspring. Despite his aggressive nature, the complexity of his relationship with his son adds depth to his role as an antagonist.
Glordon
Glordon, the son of Lord Grigon, contrasts his father's cruel demeanor with his kindness and naivety. His character represents the innocence and potential found in the younger generation, and through his relationship with Elio, he embodies themes of friendship, loyalty, and the search for one’s own path.
Learn where and when Elio (2025) takes place. Explore the film’s settings, era, and how they shape the narrative.
Time period
The movie unfolds in a contemporary setting, resonating with themes of modern childhood. It reflects current societal elements such as parental responsibility, aspirations, and the impact of technology on communication, suggesting a timeless experience while utilizing relatable contemporary motifs.
Location
Earth, Communiverse
The film predominantly takes place on Earth, specifically at an air and space museum and later at a summer camp. The Communiverse represents a vibrant and diverse part of outer space where leaders from various planets gather to share knowledge. This fantastical realm highlights the vast possibilities of the universe and the connections that can be formed beyond Earth.
Discover the main themes in Elio (2025). Analyze the deeper meanings, emotional layers, and social commentary behind the film.
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Connection
Connection is a central theme, particularly within the familial bond between Elio and his aunt Olga. The film explores their struggle to understand and connect with one another amid feelings of loss and isolation. Elio's quest for connection extends into the cosmos, showcasing his desire to bond with alien life, reflecting a broader yearning for companionship and belonging.
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Adventure
Adventure is embodied in Elio's journey to the Communiverse and his encounters with entities from other worlds. This quest is not just about exploring outer space but also about personal growth and bravery as Elio faces fears and challenges. The adventures prompt him to confront his identity and redefine his place in both the universe and his family.
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Identity
The theme of identity emerges through Elio's experiences as he grapples with his role in both the Earth and the Communiverse. His aspirations mirror a typical adolescent desire for belonging, while the presence of clones raises questions about authenticity and self-perception. As Elio navigates these challenges, he learns the importance of being true to oneself.
Unravel the ending of Elio (2025) with our detailed explanation. Understand the final scenes, character fates, and unresolved questions.
In the end, Elio manages to negotiate with Lord Grigon and save the Communiverse, eventually convincing Grigon to abandon his destructive plans after a heartfelt confrontation with his son, Glordon. Grigon, realizing the affection and love he has for his son, chooses to set aside his rage and restart peace in the universe. Glordon, who has been reluctant to follow his father’s aggressive ways, finally expresses his desire not to be a weapon, and Grigon admits that he loves his son regardless of his choices. This act of reconciliation leads Grigon to release the other ambassadors, restoring peace to the Communiverse.
After the conflict is resolved, Elio is faced with a choice: to stay in space as a hero in the Communiverse or to return to Earth. Despite the opportunity for a permanent life among the stars, he chooses to come back to Earth because he realizes his own value and that he belongs home. His relationship with his aunt Olga, who becomes suspicious of the clone Elio sent to Earth, deepens when she discovers the truth—that he’s not her real nephew. Meanwhile, Glordon makes it to Earth, weak and cold, but with Elio and Olga’s help, he is rescued and treated. Ultimately, Elio’s journey is about understanding that he’s not alone and that love and acceptance can be found anywhere—whether on Earth or among the stars. The movie closes with Elio reaffirming his connection to his home planet and the people who love him, embracing his place in the universe with newfound confidence and hope.
Discover the spoiler-free summary of Elio (2025). Get a concise overview without any spoilers.
In the quiet corners of a bustling museum, a young dreamer named Elio discovers a spark that will set his imagination ablaze. Orphaned and yearning for connection, he spends his days sketching constellations and whispering hopeful messages into a battered ham radio, convinced that somewhere beyond the stars, someone is listening. His stern yet caring aunt, Olga, a former astronaut hopeful turned pragmatic guardian, watches his obsessions with a mixture of pride and worry, ever‑present as the steady anchor to his soaring aspirations.
When Elio’s fascination finally catches the attention of an interstellar liaison, he is whisked away to the Communiverse—a sprawling, luminous forum where countless galaxies converge to share knowledge, culture, and curiosity. The sheer scale of this cosmic crossroads is both awe‑inspiring and disorienting, its architecture a kaleidoscope of alien aesthetics and technology that feels simultaneously ancient and brand‑new. Within this vibrant tapestry, Elio is mistakenly taken for Earth’s appointed leader, a misidentification that thrusts him into a role he never imagined.
Navigating this dazzling assembly of eccentric representatives, Elio must learn the delicate art of diplomacy, listening to voices that vibrate in frequencies he’s never heard before. The alien envoys, each with their own quirks and histories, become mirrors reflecting his own insecurities and strengths, urging him to grow beyond the shy, isolated boy he once was. Through their interactions, the film gently explores themes of responsibility, belonging, and the unexpected ways leadership can blossom from the most unlikely of places.
Elio’s journey is painted with a warm, adventurous tone that blends the wonder of classic space‑faring tales with the heartfelt humor of a coming‑of‑age story. The visual palette shimmers with star‑lit corridors and whimsical alien designs, while the narrative hums with curiosity, inviting viewers to wonder what it truly means to lead when the universe itself is watching.
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