Do Elephants Pray?

I'm a sucker for films that defy categorisation, and this film certainly does that. It's a beautifully crafted British indie that favours story over convention. That said, the story is an archetypal journey: man leaves his hollow life, goes on a journey, and comes back full.

The cinematography is simple and beautiful, with the scenes in the French forest suitably magical. The performances are a curious blend between understated and outrageous. Great support from Marc Warren (to be expected) and John Last (who holds his own spectacularly next to Warren).

The film is bold in that the lead, Callum, isn't the most affable of protagonists, and his co- lead is quite irritating as a character. But she is HIS foil, not ours, and this is where the story wins over and doesn't fall into giving the audience stereotypes that we can all swoon over. It also makes Callum's reluctance to continue the journey all the more real.

It's a magical story that could easily make it a chick-flick, but doesn't (largely because of the brash masculinity and language of the male supports!) - this is a film that you need to see open minded, and without preconception. Then it is provocative and rewarding.

I hear it's been picking up festival wins, and it deserves every one. Can't wait to see it on general release.