‘The Art of Elio’ - Book Review
Category: Books and Music
The latest animated feature from Disney/Pixar is the heartfelt story of Elio. This is the story of one little boy who had a fantastic galactic adventure. The Art of Elio is a fun adjunct to the film as it delves into the story, the creation of the film, and the artwork.
In the forward Director Adrian Molina writes, “We hoped to create a version of outer space that says ‘There is room here for all types. There is beauty in many shapes. There is a place for you. You are not alone.’” That is the message many people want to hear and that is the message of Elio.
Adding, “We hope The Art of Elio ignites your imaginative mind and that you use your creativity to make the world a better place too.” The messages in the film are positive and audiences will not only take the little boy to heart, they will also be warmed by the messages in the film.
The story is about a little boy named Elio who is lonely and wants to find a place where he will belong. Well, Elio is abducted by aliens and thought to be the representative of humans and the planet Earth. Chief Creative Officer Pete Doctor writes in the preface of the book, “So, turn the page and let the abduction – I mean, inspiration – begin!”
The pages are filled with plenty of sketches helping the animators get the right spirit of the characters. Even if you haven’t seen the movie yet, this book will help you understand the characters and see the wondrous adventure that awaits young Elio as he tries to get through the maze of aliens and get back home.
As many kids are trying to find their place in the world, Elio is no exception. This poor little guy had a traumatic past and coping with the world as it is is not an easy task for him. So, why not try outer space? Even though he is abducted, Elio still has the opportunity to make new acquaintances and see new places.
Elio wears an eye patch to help strengthen his weaker eye. With or without this patch, little Elio is an adorable fellow, and the pictures in the book bear this out.
As readers turn the pages they see and understand more about the story of Elio through descriptions and wonderful visuals. The thing about “The Art of” books is they are filled with great images from the story that sometimes made it into the final film or sometimes not. Nevertheless, they are images the studio used to help create this wondrous film.
How does an animator find the right alien? There are several species in the movie and there are plenty of images in the book showing all kinds of aliens. There are some evil creatures and some nice ones. (Just like on Earth.)
Elio’s new friend Gordon is depicted in the book and story artist Esteban Bravo writes, “I was trying to discover different ways they could interact and connect emotionally throughout the highs and lows of their journey.” He added, “Despite coming from different parts of the universe, these two characters felt like mirrors to one another, making it feel like they were always meant to be friends.” What a nice thought.
So combining the narratives of the characters and the story along with plenty of sketches and artwork, this book is an inside look at the story and the film. Animation fans as well as Disney and Pixar fans will definitely want to add this to their collection.
This is a fun way to delve further into the story that is Elio.
The book is available now. The film premieres June 20, 2025.
- Publisher : Chronicle Books
- ISBN-10 : 1797218964
- ISBN-13 : 978-1797218960
About the Reviewer
Francine Brokaw has been covering products, travel, and all aspects of the entertainment industry for over 35 years. She has been published in national and international newspapers and magazines as well as Internet websites. She has written her own book, Beyond the Red Carpet The World of Entertainment Journalists, is the entertainment correspondent for Good Day Orange County, and has her own TV show, Beyond the Red Carpet, on Village Television in Orange County. She is a longstanding member of the Television Critics Association and is accredited by the MPAA.