Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

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Screenwise Verdict

This is solid, beautiful nature documentary filmmaking that does exactly what it promises: follows an elephant family across Africa with stunning visuals and genuine emotional stakes. It's not trying to be March of the Penguins 2.0, but it hits similar notes—real animals, real struggles, real beauty.

The 2019 release means it feels modern and the cinematography is genuinely breathtaking. Kids who love animals will be engaged, and there's real educational value about ecosystems, family structures, and conservation without being heavy-handed.

That said, this is a nature documentary, which means it's not going to compete with Bluey or even Encanto for attention spans. The pacing is measured, there are quiet moments, and yes, nature can be harsh. If your kid melts down when Mufasa dies, maybe preview this one first.

Overall, it's a great pick for a family movie night when you want something beautiful, educational, and genuinely enriching—just make sure your audience is ready for real wildlife, not the cartoon version.

Age Fit

Best for ages 6-12, especially animal-loving kids ready for real nature content. Younger kids might get restless with the documentary pace, while older tweens might find it too slow unless they're genuinely into wildlife.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

88

Nature documentary following a matriarch elephant and her herd with themes of family, courage, and perseverance. Models cooperation and leadership without manufactured drama. Pacing is measured and contemplative, appropriate for the documentary format. Common Sense Media rates it for age 6+, indicating emotionally healthy content.

Imaginative

72

Showcases the epic journey across African landscapes with vibrant wildlife, offering visual wonder and a window into animal behavior. However, as a straight nature documentary, it's more observational than actively inviting creative expression or exploration. The storytelling around Athena's journey adds narrative imagination to real footage.

Safe

82

Nature documentaries inherently include some circle-of-life content and predator/prey dynamics, but this appears to focus on the elephant family's journey. No content ratings flagged concerns beyond the CSM age 6+ recommendation. Strong critical reception (91% RT critics, 88% audience) suggests no shocking or inappropriate content. Some natural peril is expected but presented in an age-appropriate documentary context.

Enriching

85

High educational value about African ecosystems, elephant social structures, and wildlife conservation. Builds empathy for animals and understanding of natural habitats. Strong critical scores (7.8 IMDb, 91% RT critics) indicate meaningful storytelling. Teaches resilience, family bonds, and environmental awareness. Genuinely entertaining with epic cinematography that holds attention.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Gorgeous cinematography that makes you feel like you're on safari without the malaria risk
Teaches empathy and respect for wildlife through real animal behavior, not anthropomorphized cartoon nonsense
Strong family and leadership themes as Athena guides her herd through challenges
Educational without being preachy—kids learn about ecosystems, migration, and animal social structures organically
Perfect for animal-loving kids who are ready to graduate from animated talking animals to the real deal

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What to Watch For

Nature documentaries include circle-of-life moments—animals die, predators hunt, it's real life, not Disney
Slower, contemplative pacing that won't work for kids who need constant stimulation
Some scenes of drought, animal struggle, and environmental hardship that sensitive kids might find upsetting
97 minutes is a commitment for younger viewers—plan for bathroom breaks or split viewing

Conversation Starters

"Why do you think Athena is the leader of the herd? What makes a good leader?"
"How do elephants communicate with each other? What did you notice about how they stayed together?"
"What challenges did the elephants face on their journey? How did they solve problems as a family?"
"Why is water so important in the African landscape? What happens when there's a drought?"
"How are elephant families similar to or different from human families?"

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The Elephant Queen