7.1
Where can I stream Elephant legally?
You can rent or buy it from Amazon Video and Apple TV Store. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Elephant
1989·Movie
·38min·
Elephant fingerprint
High energy, strong craft, emotionally cool.
Energy
Violent and tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Violence8
- Tension7
- Scare6
Heart
Melancholic and moving
- Melancholy8
- Pathos7
- Catharsis4
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Dark Humor4
- Wit & Wordplay1
- Situational Comedy0
World
Everyday modern life, society, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Ambiguity8
- Dialogue Centrality7
Craft
Standout direction and performances
- Direction8
- Acting8
- Narrative Structure7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
HighViolent and tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Elephant is violent and tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Violence8Physical conflict and intensity.
- Tension7Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Scare6Frightening moments and scares.
- Adrenaline5High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Warfare8Battles, strategy, and conflict.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
All heart traits
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Catharsis4Emotional release and payoff.
- Nostalgia2Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Romance1Love stories and emotional connections.
- Hopefulness1Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome0Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Coming of Age0Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Family Dynamics0Relationships and generational ties.
Related traits
- Bleakness9Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
NoneA little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect a little humor.
All humor traits
- Dark Humor4Humor from taboo or grim topics.
- Wit & Wordplay1Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Situational Comedy0Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Physical Comedy0Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor0Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor0Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody0Sharp critique and playful imitation.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, society, and politics
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around everyday modern life, society, and politics. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in. It leaves some questions open.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Ambiguity8Open-endedness and uncertainty.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability4Invites repeat viewing.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism10Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Social Commentary10Perspectives on society and norms.
- Politics9Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Historical8Period settings and real events.
- Crime8Heists, investigation, and underworld.
- Warfare8Battles, strategy, and conflict.
Craft
HighStandout direction and performances
The direction and performances stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Philosophical7Ideas about life and existence.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality6Songs central to storytelling.
- Sound Centrality6Sound design as core element.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Spectacle5Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Grotesque5Macabre, distorted imagery.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightSolo WatchThought-Provoking
Skip it if
You need an uplifting moodGraphic violence bothers you
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Based on the GoodWatch fingerprint: our scores for 70+ attributes of every movie. Select a row to see all of them.
About
For some of us... the elephant is in our living room.
A chilling depiction of a series of violent killings during the Troubles in Northern Ireland.
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Crew
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Elephant
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Elephant worth watching?
68
GoodGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 68/100 (IMDb 7.1, Rotten Tomatoes 74%, and Metacritic 70). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Elephant rated?
ViolenceDisturbing imagery
Content advisories: violence and disturbing imagery.
How long is Elephant?
0 h 38 min
Elephant runs 0 h 38 min.
Do critics and audiences agree on Elephant?
Critics72
Audiences74
Yes. Critics average 72 and audiences 74 out of 100, so both groups see Elephant much the same way.
What language is Elephant in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in United Kingdom.
In how many countries can I watch Elephant?
2
GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Elephant in 2 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Elephant use?
Heroic SacrificeDramatic Gun CockRipped from the HeadlinesBookendsClingy Jealous GirlWeight WoeAlcoholic ParentHuddle ShotAmbiguously GayBig Damn HeroesThose Wacky NazisWicked Culturedand 47 more
TV Tropes lists 59 storytelling tropes for Elephant, including Heroic Sacrifice, Dramatic Gun Cock, Ripped from the Headlines.