The Elephant

The Elephant - Written/Produced/Directed by Kirk Langer is an excellent film, where its flaws are merely budgetary in nature. For an independent production, it rivals films with larger financing and wider viewing availability.

It calls to mind films like 'Man Bites Dog', 'A Serbian Film', 'Henry: Portrait Of A Serial Killer' and the works of Gaspar Noe for its hyper-daring depictions of violence. However, as a narrative depiction, it is not displays of murder merely for shock value, but has a unique vision where the intensity of bloodshed is absolutely necessary.

Its documentary-like style of storytelling is authentic and immersive for a clever audience that carries the film, and keeps the viewer engaged. The selection of music is excellent and never tries to evoke emotions by manipulation, but is the backdrop that sets the tone perfectly for each scene.

Very well done, using the compositions from '2 Steps From Hell', 'Come Find Me' by Emile Hainy, 'Promises' by Ben Howard, 'Avalanche' by Aimee Mann, '9 Crimes' by Damien Rice, the works of Passenger and 'Song To The Siren' by This Mortal Coil, to name a few. Perfectly selected by the director himself.

The Elephant is really two films in one, that suddenly collide for a 40 minute third act, that is a heart-pounding, gory, and tense. Very well filmed and edited.

'The Elephant' will no doubt find an audience that will appreciate what has been done here. It is bold, authentic, engrossing and a supurb effort for a first feature film by a virtually unknown crew of filmmakers.

• KinoKritic, Deutschland.