7.4
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Elling fingerprint
Big heart, strong craft, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Tension4
- Fast Pace4
- Spectacle3
Heart
Moving and wholesome
Much of it is about family.
- Pathos8
- Family Dynamics8
- Wholesome7
Humor
Some situational comedy and sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
- Situational Comedy6
- Wit & Wordplay5
- Satire & Parody4
World
Everyday modern life, family, and the mind
- World Immersion7
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Rewatchability7
Craft
Standout performances and characters
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
- Direction7
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography7
- Editing7
- Music Composition6
All energy traits
- Tension4Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline2High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
- Scare1Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Heart
HighMoving and wholesome
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's moving, wholesome, and melancholic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Pathos8Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Melancholy7Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Hopefulness7Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis7Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age6Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Romance4Love stories and emotional connections.
- Nostalgia4Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Wonder4Awe, discovery, and amazement.
Related traits
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Bleakness5Grim, stark outlooks.
Humor
MediumSome situational comedy and sharp wit
Not a comedy at heart.
Expect some situational comedy and sharp wit.
All humor traits
- Situational Comedy6Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Wit & Wordplay5Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Satire & Parody4Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Physical Comedy3Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor3Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor3Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Dark Humor3Humor from taboo or grim topics.
Related traits
- Wholesome7Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Eccentricity5Oddball tone and quirks.
World
MediumEveryday modern life, family, and the mind
Its world is built around everyday modern life, family, and the mind.
All world traits
- World Immersion7Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Rewatchability7Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Social Commentary6Perspectives on society and norms.
Craft
HighStandout performances and characters
The performances and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction7Vision and command behind the camera.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue6Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Novelty6Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography7Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Visual Stylization6Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Music Centrality5The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyThought-Provoking
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About
They're packed and ready for the greatest adventure of their lives. All they have to do is get out of the house.
40-year-old Elling, sensitive, would-be poet, is sent to live in a state institution when his mother, who has sheltered him his entire life, dies. There he meets Kjell Bjarne, a gentle giant and female-obsessed virgin, also in his 40s.
Norwegian CinemaMental HealthBlack ComedyComing-of-AgeSocial IsolationFriendshipCharacter StudyQuirkyMelancholy
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
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Sequels and Prequels
Media
Questions about Elling
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Elling worth watching?
75
GreatGoodWatch scoreMostly. It's well received, with a GoodWatch score of 75/100 (IMDb 7.4, Rotten Tomatoes 85%, and Metacritic 70). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Elling rated?
R
It's rated R in the United States.
How long is Elling?
1 h 29 min
Elling runs 1 h 29 min.
Is Elling based on a true story?
No. It's adapted from a novel.
Do critics and audiences agree on Elling?
Critics78
Audiences73
Yes. Critics average 78 and audiences 73 out of 100, so both groups see Elling much the same way.
What language is Elling in?
Norwegian
It was made in Norwegian. Produced in Norway.
In how many countries can I watch Elling?
36
+22
+22GoodWatch finds legal streaming, rental, or purchase options for Elling in 36 countries. Pick any of them in Where to Watch to see the local services.
What tropes does Elling use?
Off-into-the-Distance EndingBrutal HonestyStress VomitFan DisserviceLove InformantRight Through the WallThe Pig-PenMomma's BoyBabies Ever AfterMeet CuteOdd CouplePlot-Triggering Deathand 3 more
TV Tropes lists 15 storytelling tropes for Elling, including Off-into-the-Distance Ending, Brutal Honesty, Stress Vomit.