This is a very moving and involving film showing the true pain and pleasure of a really authentic relationship. I really enjoyed how closely observed all the moments were in this drama. It was very touching and it made me reflect on my own past relationship highs and lows. Recommended.
41 Reviews
Drama class?
Angry_Santa25 December 2018
It's amazing the sort of reviews you can get when you pay form stuffers to review your movie for you.
The script appears to have been written by the cast of "Friends" on a free day (and no more!) at the café, the videography was about what you could expect if you gave a high school student a QHD camera and a tripod, and the acting - well, let's just say that The Trailer Park Boys were far more adept at depicting reality, and far more accomplished thespians.
It really makes me wonder where humanity's heading if this level of drivel can even pass as viewable, let alone enjoyable.
The script appears to have been written by the cast of "Friends" on a free day (and no more!) at the café, the videography was about what you could expect if you gave a high school student a QHD camera and a tripod, and the acting - well, let's just say that The Trailer Park Boys were far more adept at depicting reality, and far more accomplished thespians.
It really makes me wonder where humanity's heading if this level of drivel can even pass as viewable, let alone enjoyable.
Very hard to watch
isamadeira13 May 2022
Great Original Music
samanthaposco24 February 2019
Moving, authentic, beautifully crafted
directortim201221 December 2018
When you think of romance or relationships depicted in film, invariably cliches pop to mind. Boy meets girl, Jennifer Aniston-cuteness, inevitable bliss. To quote the film Annie Hall, "If only life were like this."
Elephants is about love, but it eschews such simplistic cliches and instead gives us a look at a relationship that feels authentic and lived in. There's such a wonderfully complicated mix of emotions between the characters in this film. That's the norm in life, but not in the movies... where we often go to avoid life's pain rather than confront it. But Elephants doesn't shirk from that complex reality but embraces it. Which makes not just for good entertainment, but makes this film art. Something one rarely finds in film.
There's joy here, laughter. But also genuine sadness. And there's real craftsmanship to the filmmaking. Beautifully shot, well acted, with great music. Writer-Director Alex Hanno is a sure hand behind the camera. With work like Elephants, we have a real artist to watch in the years ahead.
Bravo to Elephants!
Elephants is about love, but it eschews such simplistic cliches and instead gives us a look at a relationship that feels authentic and lived in. There's such a wonderfully complicated mix of emotions between the characters in this film. That's the norm in life, but not in the movies... where we often go to avoid life's pain rather than confront it. But Elephants doesn't shirk from that complex reality but embraces it. Which makes not just for good entertainment, but makes this film art. Something one rarely finds in film.
There's joy here, laughter. But also genuine sadness. And there's real craftsmanship to the filmmaking. Beautifully shot, well acted, with great music. Writer-Director Alex Hanno is a sure hand behind the camera. With work like Elephants, we have a real artist to watch in the years ahead.
Bravo to Elephants!
An effective character study
jeffsyin26 February 2019
Independent film is enjoyable because it can tell stories the big studios wouldn't. Elephants is one of those stories, flawed characters who owe their shortcomings to the accumulation of small mistakes, rather than flashy dramatic traumas.
Effective performances help elevate the characters, and the story moves along at a good pace. Definitely recommend!
Effective performances help elevate the characters, and the story moves along at a good pace. Definitely recommend!
Sensitive Indie Lovestory
rhianblandfordjonesholmes7 January 2019
All too realistic portrayal of passionate lovestory rekindled then sours. Beautifully and sensitively acted by talented newcomers of whom more is sure to come. Refreshing to see a new take on this theme . The music is superb as well. Enjoy !
Truth, Humor, and Relationship Realities
TheAll-SeeingI20 December 2018
With the indie gem Elephants, Alex Hanno deftly delivers the kind of tonally-changing relationship interplay we pine for - and unfortunately don't often get - in a big studio romantic dramedy.
To draw us in, Hanno presents us with once-separated characters now reunited and seemingly back on track: They joyously resume reminiscing, then flirting, then sexing, then arguing in a world that's immediately relatable in its simple complexity. The flirtatious, banter-driven dialogue is tack-sharp, and the chemistry between the lead male and female roles sells the film's core relationship. Spot-on cinematography and well-chosen support music (which veers toward upbeat jazz) drive scenes in which two people who busted up long ago remain irrevocably drawn to each other.
Yet Elephants ultimately thrives because it ends where it does for most of us: in that blindly hopeful space between longing for a reanimated relationship to succeed, and that crushing moment in which we're again reminded that previously incurred damage to the dynamic just can't be cleaned up, and will indeed lead to yet another implosion. Kudos to Hanno for crafting an ending which avoids the tired platitudes mainstream cinema too often builds into its offerings in their attempts to create constant sunshine.
To draw us in, Hanno presents us with once-separated characters now reunited and seemingly back on track: They joyously resume reminiscing, then flirting, then sexing, then arguing in a world that's immediately relatable in its simple complexity. The flirtatious, banter-driven dialogue is tack-sharp, and the chemistry between the lead male and female roles sells the film's core relationship. Spot-on cinematography and well-chosen support music (which veers toward upbeat jazz) drive scenes in which two people who busted up long ago remain irrevocably drawn to each other.
Yet Elephants ultimately thrives because it ends where it does for most of us: in that blindly hopeful space between longing for a reanimated relationship to succeed, and that crushing moment in which we're again reminded that previously incurred damage to the dynamic just can't be cleaned up, and will indeed lead to yet another implosion. Kudos to Hanno for crafting an ending which avoids the tired platitudes mainstream cinema too often builds into its offerings in their attempts to create constant sunshine.
Entertaining and heartfelt
kisiel-120 December 2018
A heartfelt, incredible gem of a film.
bohemianpirate-871-38348721 December 2018
Okay, this film really makes me think about how I've felt about past films because the bar has been set so much higher with ELEPHANTS. I hope this gem of a film gets the attention it deserves because this is truly wonderful romantic dramedy. It's not just about two real life characters finding each other, or reconnecting, it's that it delves deeper into the complexities of relationships than one normally sees in studio or other indie films. The cinematography is excellent, the score is spot-on and I felt the performances to be absolutely captivating. I really can't say enough good things about this film, other than it's so worthy of your time. HIGHLY, HIGHLY recommend. Congrats to the team behind it!!
AMAZING
gracecruby20 December 2018
If you need a relatable story about relationships look no further. This film made me realize that things I am going through other people do as well, in this case at least. The acting was AMAZING and this film is gorgeous in general. If this film gets massive I wouldn't be surprised, everyone needs to see this.
High end film with low end budget
alihanno24 February 2019
A fantastic example of a collaboration of people making a dream a reality. Very raw and professional for first time film makers. This story is relatable on many levels and draws out a variety of emotion as it unfolds. A must watch!
Great watch
siwanreynolds24 December 2018
A captivating indie love story
jblockbuster23 December 2018
Who hasn't been there - wanting to re-activate an old love story and then considering all the ups and downs. Elephants gives the main characters a good reason to start their journey just there. Lee, just out of prison, needs a place to stay and his old girlfriend, even though she moved on, allows him to crash at hers for a while.
What follows is an intense and rich dramedy exploring all aspects of relationship. it's complex, it's adorable and the actors draw you right into it with their stunning performance. Great cinematography and score make this indie gem complete. I highly recommend watching it.
What follows is an intense and rich dramedy exploring all aspects of relationship. it's complex, it's adorable and the actors draw you right into it with their stunning performance. Great cinematography and score make this indie gem complete. I highly recommend watching it.
Don't miss a classic
govind-7944628 December 2018
Great film that everyone can relate to
Smgrte23586022 December 2018
I loved this very realistic, touching portrayal of a complex relationship. It's hard to find movies that explore all aspects, the good, the bad, so I give it a hearty recommendation for single people, couples, old married folks, everyone!
Unique and wonderful film
catevanamburgh26 December 2018
Elephants feels special. It's an honest look at a relationship that feels grounded and familiar. The film is worth watching for the score and cinematography alone, seriously. I cared deeply for all the very human characters and I really enjoyed how more and more of their back story was revealed as the movie went on.
Breathe of fresh air.
leahrogers-xx22 December 2018
Elephants is a finely made feature. What makes it a breathe of fresh air and a cut above the rest in its category is the element of realism it has adopted. The concept of a film such as Elephants can often get lost among typical clichés and conventions but rest assured my attention was held firmly until the resolution. The 'term less is more' definitely comes to mind here with the aid of clever writing and charismatic acting. It is innovative and groundbreaking in it's achievement and I look forward to revisiting it. Very well done to the cast and crew.
A Good Love Story
vigilant568 July 2019
Great Indie Film
js190615 February 2019
Elephant is a great indie film. There is a great chemistry between the two main characters throughout the entire film. The cinematography was great. The writing and the acting was great. And the love-hate relationship of the characters was great. I really enjoyed the quick witted humor that added to the romantic side of the film. I would highly recommend this film as a must see.
Fab easy viewing
hollie_g30 December 2018
What an indie rom-com should be!
fredwilharm30 December 2018
Plenty of authentic chemistry between the leads helps sell the film. Nice score and cinematography. The movie is a roller coaster and goes from laughter to sadness in seconds. If you like the romantic comedy genre, it's a must see!
Truly enjoyed
rebeccanicole-9794024 February 2019
All the feels! (It's really good! )
allanamaunai5 January 2019
I've seen this movie a bunch of times at this point and I think I've developed a pretty good understanding of it. It is a great romantic movie filled with comedy and drama. The love story while told before has been recreated in a way that definitely makes this film stand apart. My biggest tip as a viewer to get the most enjoyment out of the film is to always try to spot the Elephant in the room. Both physically and within the characters... the more times you watch it the more you see deeper into the characters and how the elephant analogy applies. Hands down the sister relationship is so freaking accurate. That pregnant girl takes the cake everytime! Even as a person who doesn't have a sister old enough to connect with in this way I related when thinking about certain friendships I've shared. All in all it's a great film the only reason I didn't give it 10 stars was because of the occasional continuity error and the lack of clarity in the "Egg Scene" (No spoilers but if your going to use a metaphor...) it took me until around the 5th time watching it that I figured out the purpose of that scene. However, I still recommend you watch this movie! (And I don't do that often.)
Great film
jordan_sxcboy30 December 2018
Great movie from start to finish. Thurly enjoyed this film and will defo be watching this a few more times in the future. Great film for everyone especially couples or when ya want a nice sophisticated night in with a couple of glasses of wine
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