8.3
Where can I stream Elena legally?
You can watch it free with ads on Kanopy. All links in Where to Watch go to these licensed services.
Elena
2021·Movie
Elena fingerprint
Strong craft, striking style, no humor.
Energy
Tense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
- Tension8
- Adrenaline4
- Violence4
Heart
Deeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
- Pathos9
- Melancholy8
- Family Dynamics8
Humor
Serious throughout
- Wit & Wordplay1
- Situational Comedy0
- Physical Comedy0
World
Society, history, and everyday modern life
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
- World Immersion8
- Dialogue Centrality7
- Novelty7
Craft
Standout direction, performances, and characters
- Direction8
- Acting8
- Character Depth8
Style
Standout cinematography
- Cinematography8
- Editing7
- Music Composition7
Energy
MediumTense
Builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
Elena is tense. The story builds slowly, so the intensity comes in waves.
All energy traits
- Tension8Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Adrenaline4High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Violence4Physical conflict and intensity.
- Fast Pace3Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle3Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
MediumDeeply moving and melancholic
Much of it is about family.
Emotionally, it's deeply moving and melancholic. Much of it is about family.
All heart traits
- Pathos9Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Melancholy8Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
- Family Dynamics8Relationships and generational ties.
- Hopefulness6Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Coming of Age6Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Romance1Love stories and emotional connections.
- Wonder1Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Wholesome0Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Nostalgia0Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
Related traits
- Bleakness8Grim, stark outlooks.
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
Humor
NoneSerious throughout
Expect almost no humor.
All humor traits
- 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.
- Dark Humor0Humor from taboo or grim topics.
World
MediumSociety, history, and everyday modern life
Lived-in and easy to get lost in.
Its world is built around society, history, and everyday modern life. The setting feels lived-in and easy to get lost in.
All world traits
- World Immersion8Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Rewatchability5Invites repeat viewing.
- Ambiguity3Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Social Commentary10Perspectives on society and norms.
- Historical9Period settings and real events.
- Contemporary Realism9Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Politics9Thought-provoking works exploring political themes.
- Psychological7Inner worlds and mind games.
- Class & Capitalism7Wealth, power, and inequality.
Craft
HighStandout direction, performances, and characters
The direction, performances, and characters stand out.
All craft traits
- Direction8Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting8Performance craft and presence.
- Character Depth8Rich, complex characterization.
- Narrative Structure7Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality7Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue7Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity6Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative3Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative0Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Philosophical8Ideas about life and existence.
- Educational8Informative and instructive.
- Novelty7Fresh ideas and invention.
- Slow Burn7Gradual build with payoff.
Style
HighStandout cinematography
Look and sound: the cinematography stand out.
All style traits
- Cinematography8Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing7Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition7Score and musical identity.
- Sound Centrality7Sound design as core element.
- Music Centrality6The score or soundtrack shapes the emotional experience.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsFriends NightIntergenerationalPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensThought-Provoking
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About
In 1937, tens of thousands of Haitians and Dominicans of Haitian descent were exterminated by the Dominican army, on the basis of anti-black racism. Fast-forward to 2013, the Dominican Republic's Supreme Court stripped the citizenship of anyone with Haitian parents, retroactive to 1929, rendering more than 200,000 people stateless. Elena, the young protagonist of the film, and her family stand to lose their legal residency in the Dominican Republic if they don't manage to get their documents in time. Negotiating a mountain of opaque bureaucratic processes and a racist, hostile society around, Elena becomes the face of the struggle to remain in a country built on the labor of her father and forefathers.
Social Justice DramaHistorical InjusticeStatelessness CrisisAnti-Black RacismBureaucratic StruggleFamily ResilienceHuman RightsPolitical CommentaryPowerful & Moving
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Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about Elena
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is Elena worth watching?
83
GreatGoodWatch scoreYes. It's widely acclaimed, with a GoodWatch score of 83/100 (IMDb 8.3). The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
What is Elena rated?
Disturbing imagery
Content advisories: disturbing imagery.
How long is Elena?
0 h 32 min
Elena runs 0 h 32 min.
What language is Elena in?
SpanishHaitian Creole
It was made in Spanish, with some Haitian Creole. Produced in Dominican Republic, United States.