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The Elephant Queen

The Elephant Queen

Team reviewed
1h 36m2019United Kingdom
DocumentaireFamilial

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Watch-outs

Death / griefSadness / tears

What this film brings

familycouragecooperationresilience

Content barometer

Violence

1/5

légerfort

Mild

Fear

1/5

légerfort

Mild

Sexuality

0/5

légerfort

None

Language

0/5

légerfort

None

Narrative complexity

1/5

légerfort

Accessible

Adult themes

0/5

légerfort

None

Expert review

This nature documentary follows an elephant herd led by a protective matriarch across the African savanna, with a sweeping visual style and an atmosphere that is mostly calm, family friendly, and centered on survival in the wild. Sensitive material comes mainly from realistic wildlife situations, including drought, hunger, exhaustion, temporary separation, and a few predator related moments or vulnerable small animals that may unsettle very young viewers. The intensity stays moderate, and there is no sexual content, coarse language, or substance use, but the journey’s tension and the presence of death within the ecosystem can bring sadness or thoughtful questions for sensitive children. The film is still approachable for many kids because the narration gives the animals personality and highlights care and cooperation, yet its slow pace and realism will work best for children who can already engage with documentaries. Parents may want to explain beforehand that this is real animal life, with both beautiful and difficult moments, then talk afterward about nature, loss, and family protection.

Synopsis

Embark on an epic journey of family, courage, and coming home in this feature-length documentary. Join Athena, the majestic matriarch, as she leads her elephant herd across an unforgiving African landscape filled with vibrant wildlife.

Difficult scenes

The growing drought creates several stressful passages because the herd is running out of water and must leave a familiar home for a long journey. A young child may feel the adults’ worry and fear for the smaller elephants, especially when the narration emphasizes how hard survival has become. Some scenes show the natural dangers of the savanna, including predators, weakened animals, or very vulnerable small creatures seen up close. The film does not aim for graphic shock, yet this realism can still cause sadness or brief fear in children who are sensitive to animals being in danger. The story raises the possibility that not every member of the group will be able to keep up or stay safe on the way to the next water source. This uncertainty is more emotionally affecting than visually harsh, but it may strongly move children who become attached to the animals as a family.

Where to watch

No verified platform for the US market yet. We keep this section updated as availability changes.

About this title

Format
Feature film
Year
2019
Runtime
1h 36m
Countries
United Kingdom
Original language
EN
Directed by
Mark Deeble, Victoria Stone
Main cast
Chiwetel Ejiofor
Studios
Deeble & Stone, Mister Smith Entertainment