Full disclosure: I’m a little (okay, two weeks!) late to the party with my Disney Pixar’s Elio thoughts here on the blog, even after sharing some snippets on my social channels. I actually debated skipping a special post this time, but I just couldn’t. This particular Disney Pixar film hit home in a way few others have, speaking directly to my heart as a mom of a young boy so similar to Elio this film resonated on such a profound and personal level.

In the film, we meet Elio at a deeply vulnerable point: he’s grappling with the fresh grief of losing his parents. This profound loss leaves him feeling lost, unloved, and utterly alone in a world he no longer understands.

Now under the care of his Aunt Olga Solis, his grief manifests in unusual behaviors and attempts to run away, leading to Olga’s frustration. She sees him as a troublemaker, unaware of the deep emotional turmoil beneath his actions. Elio, in turn, feels disconnected from her, believing he’s disrupted her life and that she’s only taken him in out of obligation – a feeling painfully solidified when she drops him off at a camp after another incident. He’s a lonely soul, without friends, convinced he’s just a laughing stock.

This situation shines a powerful light on a truth I believe applies to all children, in all forms of guardianship: As parents or guardians, we must strive, with all our hearts, to truly know our children. This is especially crucial when they are navigating that delicate stage of finding their own space in this big, sometimes overwhelming world. Because in the act of genuinely trying to understand them, we create a pathway for them to understand us, and most importantly, to understand themselves.

It should always be the adults who initiate this connection, extending a hand to build that safe space where a child feels seen, heard, and deeply secure. Whether you’re their parent, a relative, or a guardian, when you dedicate your time and presence, they will reciprocate. Once a child feels truly safe and understood, they begin to open up, blend more easily into different crowds, gain new friends, and ultimately, find their unique, cherished place in this vast world. It’s a journey, and our role is to be their steadfast, loving guide.

This brings me to another sweet revelation in the film: the father-and-son dynamic between Lord Gridon and Glordon. Glordon always yearned for his formidable father’s attention, but Lord Gridon was preoccupied with preparing him for battle – a path Glordon secretly dreaded.

When Elio and Glordon become friends, Glordon finds himself a crucial bargaining chip to save the Communiverse. This unexpected role brings him the attention he craved from his father. In a truly heartwarming scene, a weakened Glordon prompts Lord Gridon, usually stoic and armored, to open his shell. He gently cradles his son, acknowledging Glordon’s true desires. This powerfully illustrates that unconditional love transcends understanding, allowing us to connect with our children exactly where they are.

This powerful scene beautifully illustrates that as parents, we may not always see eye-to-eye with our children, or fully grasp their dreams and choices. But the love we hold for each other, the unconditional bond that transcends understanding, will always remain the strongest force. It’s a testament to how love can bridge any gap, allowing us to meet our children where they are, even if it’s not where we expected them to be.

Ultimately, Elio beautifully underscores that the journey of parenthood, whether by birth or circumstance, is one of deep understanding and unconditional love. It reminds us to seek to know our children for who they truly are, to create that vital safe space, and to embrace them fully, even when our paths diverge or we don’t quite see eye-to-eye. This original story proves that the magic of Disney Pixar is still very much alive, bringing us narratives that not only entertain but genuinely tug at our heartstrings, leaving us with profound lessons on connection and acceptance. If you haven’t seen it yet, make sure to catch Elio as it’s still showing in Philippine cinemas! OK Bye Love you!

Disclaimer: All photos in this Elio film blog came from screenshot from the official Elio trailer from official its youtube channel.