In Chicago’s Logan Square, the marquee at the historic Logan Theatre glows with “Elio,” Pixar’s tale of a boy meeting aliens, but the seats inside tell a different story—half-empty. Released June 13, the film, directed by Domee Shi, is struggling locally, with Chicago ticket sales lagging 30% behind Pixar’s “Inside Out 2,” per theater reports. As families like the Garcias skip showtimes, rising costs and global unrest cast shadows over the city’s moviegoing scene. “It’s just too pricey right now,” said Rosa Garcia, her kids tugging at her sleeve.
“Elio,” Pixar’s first original since 2020’s “Soul,” follows an 11-year-old connecting with extraterrestrials, boasting vibrant visuals but mixed reviews for a “predictable” plot. Chicago, a key market with 50 major theaters, saw opening weekend grosses of $2.1 million, dwarfed by “Inside Out 2’s” $6.8 million last year. Theater owners cite ticket prices—$15 for adults, up 10% from 2024—driven by oil price spikes pushing operational costs. Brent crude’s rise to $90, tied to Israel-Iran clashes, has inflated transport and utility bills, per the National Association of Theatre Owners.
At the AMC River East 21, manager Jamal Lewis dims unused screens to save energy. “Families are picking streaming over us,” he said, noting Disney+’s looming “Elio” release in August. The Israel-Iran conflict, killing 639 in Iran, per human rights groups, and China’s rare earth curbs, hitting tech supply chains, have soured consumer confidence. “People are stressed about gas and groceries,” said Lewis, echoing reports of a 5% drop in Chicago’s discretionary spending, per the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago.
Theater chains aren’t alone. Local vendors, like Pilsen’s La Michoacana, which supplies concessions, face higher delivery costs. “Popcorn’s pricier to ship,” said owner Sofia Ruiz. Some blame “Elio’s” marketing, overshadowed by global news, while others point to Pixar’s layoffs of 175 staff last year, hinting at creative strain. “It’s not ‘Toy Story’ magic,” said critic Elena Torres, though kids like Garcia’s son, Mateo, 8, loved the “cool aliens.”
Chicago’s response is mixed. “We’ll wait for streaming,” said Garcia, reflecting a trend with 60% of locals preferring home viewing, per a city survey. Theaters like the Music Box are pushing $5 matinees to lure crowds, but turnout’s low. “We need a hit to survive,” said Lewis. Some see hope in summer blockbusters, but oil-driven inflation threatens ticket hikes.
What’s next? Diplomacy easing Middle East tensions could stabilize oil prices, boosting theater visits. Mayor Brandon Johnson’s arts grants aim to support venues, but funds are tight. Can “Elio” find its Chicago spark, or will streaming win? For now, as Lewis sweeps the lobby and Garcia streams at home, the city’s theaters dim, waiting for a brighter reel.
