Aliens mistake a young boy for Earth’s leader in the animation studio’s latest adventure, a visually dazzling if not-quite-classic entry in its catalog.

"Elio," in theaters Friday, is another of Pixar's seamless combination of engaging story with deep, resonant themes.

It’s a solid premise that, viewed one way, has all the makings of a classic Pixar film. It’s existential but cute. It might make you cry and also want to buy a cuddly Glordon toy. Glordon (Remy Edgerly) is the toothy, slug-like young alien with no eyes who befriends Elio (Yonas Kibreab).