Disney’s 2025 live-action film Lilo & Stitch, directed by Dean Fleischer Camp, is a heartfelt and occasionally chaotic blend of science fiction and family drama set against the vibrant backdrop of Hawai‘i. For those unfamiliar with the original 2002 animated version, this adaptation serves as an engaging introduction to a unique and emotionally resonant story about love, loss, and what it truly means to be a family.
The film centers on Lilo (Maia Kealoha), a quirky and lonely young girl living in a small Hawaiian town with her older sister Nani (Sydney Agudong) following the death of their parents. Lilo struggles to fit in at school and often finds comfort in music, photography, and an unfiltered imagination. Hoping to help Lilo cope, Nani allows her to adopt a dog, though the “dog” in question turns out to be Stitch, an escaped alien experiment designed for destruction.
What begins as a tale of misfits gradually becomes something deeper. As Lilo and Stitch bond, the story shifts from wild comedic hijinks to a touching exploration of companionship, healing, and loyalty. The phrase “ohana means family” becomes a central theme, resonating throughout the film without feeling overly sentimental.
Visually, Lilo & Stitch is a treat. The Hawaiian landscapes are captured with a warmth and color that gives the movie a real sense of place. Whether it’s sun-drenched beaches, lush forests, or modest neighborhood homes, the setting feels alive and authentic. The visual effects used to create Stitch are generally strong. His design strikes a good balance—alien and a little creepy at first, but gradually more endearing as his personality develops.
The performances are a major highlight. Maia Kealoha brings genuine emotion and personality to Lilo, portraying her with a mix of innocence, intensity, and vulnerability. Sydney Agudong gives a grounded performance as Nani, balancing the exhaustion of sudden responsibility with clear devotion to her sister. The chemistry between the two anchors the film emotionally. Other cast members, including Zach Galifianakis as the eccentric alien scientist Jumba and Courtney B. Vance as a social worker named Cobra Bubbles, add humor and character without overwhelming the core story.
One of the film’s strengths is its sincere depiction of a non-traditional family. It doesn’t shy away from the difficult realities of Lilo and Nani’s situation, but it also doesn’t wallow in them. Instead, the film offers a hopeful message: family isn’t about perfection—it’s about staying together and showing up for one another, even when things fall apart.
That said, the film isn’t without flaws. The pacing can be uneven. Some of the sci-fi sequences feel overlong or tonally disjointed from the rest of the film. While the alien storyline adds originality, it occasionally clashes with the more grounded emotional beats. Additionally, some scenes feel padded or repetitive, as if stretching to meet a required runtime rather than serving the narrative.
Musically, the film blends Hawaiian influences with modern production, as well as a few reworked Elvis Presley songs. While not every track lands perfectly, the soundtrack generally complements the film’s mood and setting.
One notable aspect is the film’s emphasis on Hawaiian culture. The characters use Hawaiian language and customs in a way that feels natural rather than forced. It’s a refreshing detail that adds authenticity and depth, distinguishing Lilo & Stitch from other family films with more generic backdrops.
Overall, Lilo & Stitch is a charming and emotionally engaging film that mixes sci-fi adventure with grounded family drama. Even without the nostalgia of the original, it stands on its own as a story with humor, heart, and a meaningful message. It may not be flawless, but it’s a warm, visually rich experience worth watching, especially for those who enjoy unconventional tales of family and friendship.
