Mother's Elling

2003Movie1 h 18 min

61
DecentGoodWatch score

A moving, hopeful comedy movie about everyday modern life and family, with standout characters.

Good for date night · family movie night · friends night

Where to watch

Set your services

Not streaming in United States. Where it is:

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Not for scares, adrenaline or brutality.

Movies with

Story

Elling has lived with his mother all his life. Mom is the practical one, while Elling ponders the more theoretical aspects of life. He spends his time in their apartment reading books and looking at the neighbours through the living room window. Elling doesn't seem to need to be around others like most people. That's why Elling is less than enthusiastic when his mother suddenly decides to take her son on a beach vacation to Spain. Reluctantly, Elling agrees. After all, a lady at her age needs a good man by her side. But what Elling refuses to realize is that Mom is not only old, but also sick. Very sick. On her last vacation she tries to get Elling to see that life is bigger than their living room.

Feels like

  • Quirky Character Study
  • Heartwarming Dramedy
  • Norwegian Cinema
  • Road Trip
  • Family Bond
  • Coming-of-Age
  • Gentle Humor
  • Melancholy Undertones
  • Emotional Growth

Cast

Crew

Directed by
Eva Isaksen
Produced by
Dag Alveberg

Everyone

Pick a department, or search for a name or a job (“editor”, “stunt”).

Facts

October 10, 2003 · 1 h 18 min · Comedy, Drama

Released
October 10, 2003
Runtime
1 h 18 min
Genres
Comedy, Drama
Original language
Norwegian
Made in
Norway
Available in
35 countries
Keywords
based on novel or book

Q&A

7 questions, like "Where can I stream Mother's Elling?"

Questions about Mother's Elling

Quick answers from GoodWatch data.

Where can I stream Mother's Elling?

It streams in 35 other countries, but not in the United States.

Is Mother's Elling worth watching?

61
DecentGoodWatch score

Opinions are mixed, with a GoodWatch score of 61 (IMDb 6 and Letterboxd 3.3 out of 5).

Is Mother's Elling okay for kids?

Yes: the viewing guide lists it for kids.

Will Mother's Elling make me laugh?

Light

Now and then: the humor is mostly situational comedy (6 of 10) and sharp wit (5 of 10).

Is Mother's Elling plot-driven or character-driven?

CharactersPlot

Mostly character-driven: it leans on character depth (9 of 10) and pathos (8 of 10) more than on its plot.

Is Mother's Elling in English?

Norwegian

No, it was made in Norwegian.