Former Pixar creators expressed disappointment over cuts made to the film Elio, claiming it altered director Adrian Molina's original vision. Some scenes that illustrated the main character's queer identity, such as a "trash-ion show" and certain images on Elio's bedroom wall, were removed. Feedback from early test screenings showed audience enjoyment but a unanimous lack of desire to see the movie in theaters. The film subsequently opened to record low box-office earnings for Pixar.
Leadership gave notes to make the titular main character more "masculine," resulting in deleted scenes and the removal of hints about Elio's queer identity. A former artist noted that studio leaders constantly altered elements that referenced Elio's sexuality, emphasizing that they found an alien without eyes easier to depict than a queer character.
Alison Willmore from Vulture criticized Elio for struggling to convey its themes, stating that "for a movie about someone learning... that he's not alone in the universe, Elio has real trouble getting out of its own head," pointing out that screening feedback was overall favorable but lacked interest for theatrical viewing.
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