ELEPHANT (2020)

Yes. ELEPHANT is an amazing documentary that follows a herd across an eight-month, 1,000-mile roundtrip through the African desert in search of water and safety. Its family-centered story gives children and adults a memorable picture of protection, sacrifice, courage, and the wisdom of older generations.

The film is also visually striking. Beautiful scenic shots, pans, and time lapses display the bold colors and vastness of the terrain, while the music fits the onscreen action. The main concerns are limited but real: a bird eats a frog, lions pursue elephants without hurting them, one elephant dies of natural causes, and two elephants mate.

This is a strong choice for family viewing. Parents of sensitive children may want to reassure them during the lion sequence.

Jomo, a one-year-old elephant calf, joins his mother, Shani, and his aunt Gaia, the herd’s matriarch, on an eight-month journey across Africa’s desert. As the watering holes dry, Gaia uses her memory to lead the herd toward new territory.

Along the way, the elephants face difficult terrain, changing conditions, and threats from predators. Jomo learns valuable lessons as the herd protects its young and stays together.

Four stars means this is an excellent nature documentary. The filmmakers capture African wildlife in its grandeur through beautiful scenic shots, pans, and time lapses that show the terrain’s bold colors and vastness.

The family story gives the documentary emotional weight, especially as viewers watch the elephants protect their young and learn about their extraordinary social nature. The film also presents the beginning and end of life in a way that highlights the wisdom of older generations.

Meghan Markle does a fine job as narrator, and the music fits perfectly with the onscreen action.

ELEPHANT strongly exalts family. The herd protects its youngest members, older elephants use their experience to guide others, and sacrifice is honored. The documentary also presents elephants as extraordinary social creatures and stresses the beauty of nature and the animals that inhabit it.

Its environmentalist elements focus on appreciating the natural world. That appreciation can align with biblical stewardship, though the film’s emphasis remains on nature and animal life rather than explicitly directing that wonder toward God.

The documentary’s central picture of older generations caring for the young also reflects Scripture’s concern for passing wisdom from one generation to the next: “we will tell to the coming generation the glorious deeds of the LORD” (Psalm 78:4).

ELEPHANT is an amazing, beautiful documentary about family, sacrifice, protection, and the wisdom of older generations. Its few questionable elements are limited, though sensitive children may need reassurance during the lion sequence. For a meaningful nature film to watch together, WORTH THE TRIP.