Ghost Elephants movie review by Movie Review Mom

MOVIE TITLE: Ghost Elephants

This fascinating documentary opens in theaters on February 26, 2026.

RATING: PG-13 (Documentaries don’t have ratings, but that’s what I would give this film.)

LENGTH: 1 hour 28 minutes

Movie Review Mom GRADE: A

IN A NUTSHELL:

Ghost Elephants is a beautifully shot and emotionally stirring documentary that explores the fragile existence of elephants living on the margins of survival. The title refers to a rare breed of gigantic elephant, as well as elephants, in general, who move almost invisibly through remote landscapes, rarely seen, deeply threatened, and increasingly misunderstood. Through breathtaking cinematography and intimate storytelling, the film highlights the intelligence, emotional depth, and social bonds of these majestic animals while shedding light on the growing pressures of habitat loss and human conflict.

This isn’t just a nature documentary; it’s a quiet but powerful call to care about protecting animals and their delicate environment.

The film was directed by Werner Herzog. He also narrates it and worked as the screenwriter!

Already, the film has been nominated for awards and won one at various film festivals! Congrats to the team!

TIPS FOR PARENTS:

There’s no inappropriate language
Children might be bored by the slow pacing.
Some scenes discuss poaching and environmental destruction.
Lots of bloodied animal parts.
We see elephants shot and killed.
We also see tons of bones of animals that were killed for sport.

This is best suited for older children and teens who can appreciate the conservation message and reflective tone.

THEMES:

Stewardship of the Earth
Human responsibility to protect all life on the planet
Survival
Respect for animal life

THINGS I LIKED:

The cinematography is absolutely stunning. Wide landscape shots and close-ups of elephant families create a strong emotional connection to the elephants and African regions.
It was inspiring to hear Steve Boyes talk about his lifelong quest and dream of finding this unique kind of elephant in Africa. His last name caught my ear because my last name is Boice. He continuously shows immense respect for the animals and the native Africans who work with him to solve the mystery. The spelling of the two names is different, but if you go far enough back on our family trees, I’m sure they connect at some point! Throughout the centuries, I have tracked the spelling of my last name and how it changed.
The filmmakers take time to show elephants as intelligent, social beings that are important to the planet, not just wildlife statistics.
The pacing allows viewers to reflect rather than feel rushed. Some scenes linger, which makes for slow pacing, but allows you to really sink into the moment and FEEL.
It’s fascinating to spend time with a native tribe in the area and learn about some of their beliefs and daily practices.
The message is powerful without being too preachy.

THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE:

The slower pacing may lose viewers who prefer fast-moving documentaries.
Some segments feel repetitive in reinforcing the conservation message.
I would have liked a bit more focus on specific individual elephants to deepen the personal connection.
We see a fuzzy video of an elusive elephant. The whole time, I wondered why the person filming didn’t try to get closer or even follow it.

FUNNY LINES:

There aren’t many “funny lines,” but there are several charming moments, especially when we spend time with the native tribe, and watch elephant families together.

INTERESTING LINES:

The film emphasizes the idea that elephants remember routes, relationships, and even trauma, raising the thought-provoking question: if elephants remember us, what legacy are we leaving behind?