Movie Review: Ghost Elephants

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Screened at Stockholm International Film Festival 2025

This documentary is a beautifully simple, poetic, and deeply spiritual journey into the wilderness, created by Werner Herzog.

Werner Herzog’s documentary, Ghost Elephants, follows wildlife expert Dr. Steve Boyes on his quest to find a rare type of elephant. These elephants are thought to be related to a massive animal—weighing around 11,000kg and nearly 4 metres tall—hunted in Africa in 1955 by Count K.C.E. Fénykövi. The remains of that enormous elephant are now part of the Smithsonian Institution’s collection.

Boyes embarks on an African journey, teaming up with skilled San trackers to find the legendary ‘ghost elephants’ in a secluded region. Their expedition takes them into the continent’s interior, requiring them to obtain permission and a blessing from a local king for safe travel. Like the films Grizzly Man and Fitzcarraldo, Ghost Elephants is an immersive experience, but stands out for its modesty and focus on spirituality.

The team sets off on a crucial journey to prove elephants still exist, traveling by motorbike and carrying all their equipment. Director Werner Herzog narrates the film and occasionally interviews the people involved, stepping back to let us get to know Steve Boyes and understand the importance of their mission. The film begins at the Smithsonian, showcasing remains of elephants hunted in the past. Scientists there analyze special DNA samples, hoping to find a match with any new evidence they discover.

These large bones, originally discovered in the 1950s, and a recreated elephant in New York City, highlight a dramatic shift from the past. They stand in stark contrast to the elephants’ natural environment and represent the change from a time when hunting was common to today’s focus on protecting these incredible animals. Instead of using weapons, the team is now using cameras – their goal is to observe and document, not to hunt. The biggest reward for Boyes is being able to see these animals firsthand and gather video evidence that can contribute to future research.

“The magic and mystery of Africa’s greatest treasures…”

Drawing on the wisdom and tracking expertise of the Bushmen, Ghost Elephants beautifully blends history, storytelling, and documentary filmmaking. The film follows an incredible journey, captured with stunning visuals, offering deep insights into San culture and surprising discoveries through scientific exploration. Viewers will see rare, intimate footage of sacred African landscapes, filmed with a focus on capturing genuine moments. Prioritizing honesty and naturalness over flashy effects, the documentary showcases both the magic of the wild and the unwavering determination of those driven to witness it firsthand, fostering a greater understanding of the lengths people go to for a personal experience.

I was really captivated by Ghost Elephants. It all centers on Boyes and his team trying to find these almost legendary creatures, and even though the search is the main focus, Herzog’s vision is what truly drives the documentary, no matter what happens. It’s a really thoughtful and well-timed film, a bit raw around the edges maybe, but deeply respectful and sensitive to the story it’s telling. Herzog asks such insightful questions and uses beautiful language, which creates this incredible sense of wonder. He really draws you into the hunt, but in a way that feels respectful to the environment, the local culture, and traditions, letting the story unfold naturally without needing to manufacture drama.

In a world often filled with deception, Ghost Elephants possesses a refreshing simplicity and genuine heart. Werner Herzog’s documentary beautifully captures a sense of awe and affection for both people and the natural world, documenting this remarkable journey with elegance. Though not necessarily a highly refined production, its honesty and spirit make it captivating, allowing us to share in the extraordinary experience through the perspectives of Steve Boyes and Werner Herzog themselves.

The bottom line: Humble

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2025-11-14 22:43