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For many homeschool families, Pixar films have long been more than just entertainment. They’ve offered rich opportunities for discussion, learning, and exploring meaningful themes like courage, family, and purpose. From Toy Story to The Incredibles, Pixar built a reputation for thoughtful storytelling paired with groundbreaking animation.
But in recent years, something seemed to shift.
When Did Pixar Start to Change?
Some families trace the shift back to Cars 2, which many felt was too chaotic and lacking heart. Others point to The Good Dinosaur with its clear evolutionary themes, or Turning Red, a film that raised serious concerns for Christian parents by promoting rebellion and introducing spiritual elements that conflicted with biblical values.
Even Elemental drew caution, with messages that didn’t sit well with many parents seeking spiritually grounded stories. For a while, it felt like Pixar had lost its way.
Then Came Elio—A Surprising Step Forward
Released recently, Elio didn’t make a big splash at the box office. In fact, it’s Pixar’s lowest-grossing film so far. But numbers aside, Elio might be a quiet return to the kind of storytelling that made Pixar beloved in the first place.
The film tells the story of a lonely boy named Elio, who’s struggling to fit in and understand where he belongs. When his well-meaning aunt announces that she’s sending him to a military summer camp, Elio misinterprets it as rejection and wishes for a new life—one far away. His wish is granted in an unexpected way when he’s taken into space by aliens and suddenly declared the representative of Earth.
What follows is a fun and touching story that explores identity, belonging, and what it means to be truly known.
Why Christian Parents Might Appreciate Elio
According to Plugged In’s Emily Tsiao, Elio offers a valuable message: we are never truly alone. While the film doesn’t make a spiritual statement, Christian families can easily use this as a launchpad to talk about how, with Jesus, we are never alone—no matter how isolated we might feel.
It’s a rare moment of thoughtful storytelling from Pixar in recent years, and one that gently opens the door for meaningful conversation rather than shutting it down with conflicting values.
A Step in the Right Direction
No, Elio didn’t wow the world in terms of profits. But perhaps that’s not the point. For families who have felt distanced from Pixar’s recent direction, Elio may feel like the studio’s first tentative step back toward its original magic.
And for homeschool parents looking for stories that inspire without compromising values, that’s a step worth noticing.
Final Thoughts
Pixar may not be all the way back, but Elio shows that they’re still capable of telling stories with heart. In a world filled with media that often pulls families away from truth, Elio offers a small reminder of what made Pixar great—and how storytelling can still spark hope, connection, and discussion.
Have you watched Elio with your family? What did you think? Share your thoughts below—we’d love to hear from other homeschool parents walking the same path.
If you are curious whether Elio is right for your family here is the link to see Plugged In review blog: Elio – Plugged In
