Exploring the ‘communiverse’ with Pixar’s intergalactic animated film ‘Elio’

HOLLYWOOD, LOS ANGELES — The newest Disney-Pixar animated movie, “Elio,” is now in the theatres, and it takes moviegoers out of this world.

In “Elio,” a little boy who loves space is happily abducted by aliens and taken to a place where he feels he belongs.

“Our art team aimed to create a vibrant and inclusive world in space, known as the ‘communiverse’,” explained Domee Shi, the director. “It is intended to be a place where aliens of various forms, colors, and sizes can coexist harmoniously, portraying an idealistic setting where anyone can find a sense of home upon arrival.”

“Elio is searching for a place where he can find love and a sense of belonging,” shared Madeline Sharafian, another director of the project. “When we dream of such places, especially in our youth, it may reflect a desire for something missing or a yearning for acceptance and connection in our real lives.”

Themes in “Elio” include loss, love, friendship, and healing… with plenty of adventure and plenty of colorful aliens. Actually, too many to include in the movie!

“We had many, many other designs that we didn’t even bring into 3D,” said producer Mary Alice Drum. “And we were talking the other day. There’s a fun group of aliens that kind of look like mushrooms that were really featured at one point. They’re really funny. We had to cut that scene, so there’s just — the world of the aliens is so much and there’s so many more than you even see on screen.”

“Elio” is in theatres now.

The Walt Disney Company is the parent company of Pixar and this ABC station.

READ MORE: Disney-Pixar’s ‘Elio’ is a story of finding friendship, home and your place in the universe