The Japanese version of Disney & Pixar's new animated film "Elio" (currently in theaters) was released on August 2nd. The short vertical video captures a touching scene in which Elio (played by Kawahara Eito) confides his troubles to his first friend, Gloden (played by Tasuku Sato), under a starry night sky, brimming with tender emotion.
The protagonist of "Elio" is Elio, a boy who loves space and feels lonely after losing his parents, the people who understood him the most. Elio believes that somewhere in this vast world there must be a place where he "really belongs." His heartfelt wish is answered, and he is invited to the dreamlike "Comniverse," where representatives of the stars gather. There, he meets Grodon, an alien boy who is just as lonely. The two share a bond, but a threat that will shake the "world of the stars" approaches. The key to their salvation lies in a "certain promise" made between the two lonely people... This is the story.
The film will be directed by Madeline Sharafian, who was the story artist for "Coco" (2017), Domee Shi, director of "Me and the Red Panda" (2022), and Adrian Molina, who wrote and co-directed "Coco."
The Japanese voice actors include Nana Seino as Aunt Olga, Kenichi Matsuyama as Grodon's father and villain Glygon, Kayo Noro as the helpful computer Woooo, Naomi Watanabe as the peace-loving planetary ambassador Ova, and Mayurika Nakatani as Melmac, Olga's subordinate and radio geek.
In the released scene, Elio has lost his parents, the only people who understood him, and is unable to fit in with those around him. He has even built a wall around himself, telling his aunt Olga (Kiyono), who acts as a parent to him, that "I no longer have a family." Meanwhile, Elio confides in Grodon, who he met in the "Communiverse" and who feels the same loneliness as Elio, "Only my mom and dad loved me. But I wonder. Maybe I'm the kind of kid who doesn't want to be loved by anyone. I thought the world wasn't right for me. But maybe it's my fault..." as he tearfully confesses his troubles.
Gloudon accepts Elio's feelings and tells him honestly, "I like Elio. I think we'd get along well," expressing his love for Elio "just the way he is." The video is so moving, it feels like we're witnessing the moment when the two deepen their "irreplaceable friendship" as they stand side by side under the night sky.
