Now #1 on Disney+: National Geographic’s LION

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National Geographic’s LION, the four-part event series, is currently the #1 title on Disney+ in the U.S., resonating with audiences through its cinematic storytelling, emotional depth and real-life coming-of-age journey centered on a lion cub named Kio as he fights to survive and ultimately

More than a traditional wildlife documentary, LION blends the emotional storytelling audiences loved in The Lion King with unprecedented natural history filmmaking. The series is executive produced by Jon Favreau, director of Disney's live-action The Lion King, alongside acclaimed natural history producer Mike Gunton (Planet Earth IIDynasties), and features an original score from Hans Zimmer's Bleeding Fingers Music, creating a viewing experience that feels every bit as epic as a blockbuster drama.

ABOUT LION

From The Lion King director Jon Favreau and BBC Studios Natural History Unit's Mike Gunton comes the extraordinary true story of Kio, a lion cub whose four-year journey unfolds as an epic saga of family, hope, loss, courage and survival. Narrated by O.J. Lynch, the four-part event series combines cinematic storytelling with groundbreaking wildlife filmmaking to capture the complete making of a king.

LION premiered on National Geographic and is now streaming on Disney+ and Hulu. The series features an original score by Hans Zimmer, Niccolò Pacella and George Hutson Warren for Bleeding Fingers Music.

ELIO Review: When being understood matters most

ELIO

Release date: Friday, June 20, 2025

Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Screenplay: Julia Cho, Mark Hammer, Mike Jones
Story by: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina, Julia Cho
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldaña, Remy Edgerly, Brandon Moon, Brad Garrett, Jameela Jamil
Genre: Animation, science fiction, adventure
Rating: PG
Country: United States
Language: English

ELIO, from directors Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, and Adrian Molina, a film for the entire family that reminds us that what we often search for is right where we are.
Gunther Melmac (Brendan Hunt), a conspiracy theorist; Tegmen (Matthias Schweighöfer) an alien ambassador; Helix (Brandon Moon), an alien ambassador; Auva Naomi Watanabe as, an alien ambassador; Turais (Ana de la Reguera), an alien ambassador; Mira (Anissa Borrego) an alien ambassador; Diplo Ship (Shelby Young); Universal Users Manual (Bob Peterson); Museum Exhibit Narrator (Kate Mulgrew); Colonel Markwell (Tamara Tonie) and  a collection of old Carl Saga’s recordings were also used.

Being a single parent is difficult, being a single guardian to your orphaned nephew brings a whole new level of parenting. And trying to figure it all out while having to grieve the loss of a sibling and sister-in-law. But Olga gets it done. You can  not help but cheer them on.

Something that really stood out to me was when Olga said,
“I may not always understand you, but I will always love you”.

And that is what family and friendships are all about. You can love a person, even if you both see things differently.

ELIO is an enjoyable film that warms the heart and is a friendly reminder that family is what you are born into and the ones you make on your life journey.

Production company: Pixar Animation Studios
Distributor: Walt Disney Studios
Run time: 1 hour 38 minutes
Producer: Mary Alice Drumm
Directors: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina
Screenplay: Julia Cho, Mark Hammer, Mike Jones
Story by: Madeline Sharafian, Domee Shi, Adrian Molina, Julia Cho
Starring: Yonas Kibreab, Zoe Saldaña, Remy Edgerly, Brandon Moon, Brad Garrett, Jameela Jamil
Cinematographer: Derek Williams, Jordan Rempel
Editors: Anna Wolitzky, Steve Bloom
Music: Rob Simonsen