The Elephant Whisperers – WISE Score & Parent Review | Screenwise

The Elephant Whisperers

Name: Screenwise
Author: Screenwise

movie2022

84%

WISE Score

100

Avg. Tomatometer

Oscar-winning doc about an Indian couple raising an orphaned baby elephant—it's 41 minutes of pure heart and conservation magic.

100%

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The Elephant Whisperers

movie

PG, 2022

84%

WISE Score

100

Avg. Tomatometer

Oscar-winning doc about an Indian couple raising an orphaned baby elephant—it's 41 minutes of pure heart and conservation magic.

100%

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Screenwise Verdict

This is the rare documentary that's both critically acclaimed AND genuinely watchable for families. At just 41 minutes, it won't test anyone's patience, and the elephant footage is legitimately captivating.

That said, let's be real: this is a quiet, meditative, subtitled documentary about indigenous caretakers in rural India. If your kids are used to Marvel-paced entertainment, they might struggle. But if you've got an animal-loving kid or you're trying to expand their media diet beyond the algorithm's usual offerings, this is a beautiful choice.

The conservation message is powerful without being preachy, and it genuinely shows a different way of life without exoticizing it. Plus, baby elephant content is basically a cheat code for emotional engagement. Just maybe watch it when everyone's in the mood for something gentle rather than springing it on them during action-movie night.

Age Fit

Best for ages 8-14 who can handle slower pacing and subtitles. Younger kids might appreciate it if they're genuinely into animals and nature, but the documentary format and lack of action will lose many under-10s.

WISE Breakdown

Wholesome

Deeply heartwarming documentary about caregiving, compassion, and unconventional family bonds. Models extraordinary kindness toward animals and celebrates indigenous caretakers devoting their lives to wildlife conservation. Gentle pacing and emotionally healthy portrayal of love and responsibility.

Imaginative

Showcases the unique world of elephant sanctuary care in South India, offering viewers a window into a rarely-seen lifestyle and relationship between humans and wildlife. While it's observational documentary (not fantastical), it sparks curiosity about animal behavior, conservation, and different ways of living. Less about creative expression, more about expanding worldview.

Safe

Common Sense Media rates it for age 8+. Universally positive critical reception (100% RT) suggests no concerning content. Nature documentaries can occasionally show animal distress or death, but the focus here is on care and nurturing of orphaned elephants. No violence, sexuality, or inappropriate language expected. Minor deduction for potential emotional moments around orphaned animals.

Enriching

Exceptional educational value about wildlife conservation, indigenous knowledge, human-animal bonds, and environmental stewardship. Builds empathy for both animals and people living differently. Strong ratings (7.5 IMDb, 3.8 Letterboxd, 89% audience) indicate meaningful impact. Offers genuine insight into dedication, sacrifice, and alternative family structures.

Parent Info

✓

Why It Might Be Great

Absolutely gorgeous cinematography of South Indian landscapes and intimate elephant care that feels like a nature meditation
Models extraordinary compassion and dedication—these caretakers literally build their lives around wildlife conservation
Expands kids' understanding of family structures and shows love comes in many forms (including cross-species)
Perfect length (41 min) for a meaningful family watch without the commitment of a feature film
Won the 2023 Oscar for Best Documentary Short—legitimately acclaimed, not just feel-good fluff

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What to Watch For

It's subtitled and slow-paced—younger kids or those used to high-stimulation content might zone out
Some potentially sad context about why baby elephants need rescuing (habitat loss, orphaning)
Documentary style means no narrative arc or action—this is observational and meditative
Kids expecting Dumbo-style elephant antics will be disappointed; this is real life, which is quieter

Conversation Starters

"What do you think it would be like to have an elephant as part of your family? What would be hard about it?"
"Bomman and Bellie gave up a lot to take care of Raghu. What's something you'd be willing to sacrifice for an animal or cause you care about?"
"Why do you think baby elephants need human caretakers? What happened to their elephant families?"
"The movie shows a different way of living than ours. What did you notice that was really different? What was similar?"

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