The Magician’s Elephant is an animation movie directed by Wendy Rogers, and based on a novel written by Kate DiCamillo.
The Magician’s Elephant is a children’s film that aims for the highest “Disney” spirit (that of some years ago): but more tender, childish and somewhat naive, and that, woven by magic, achieves exactly the result it intends to – a film of the old school that, if we let ourselves go, will certainly be charming.
About the Film
Good animation on the technical side that – without being Pixar – takes us along the path of The Sea Beast (another Netflix animation): classicism in form, plot and overall style.
Is it one of those movies for young and old to watch? Absolutely, and with a lot of quality to it. If it sticks to what’s an”easy” approach, it’s a debate that, surely, we shouldn’t get into (ironies aside).
The Magician’s Elephant is the poster child for computer animation (it becomes very obvious at times) that nevertheless wants to be as traditional as possible in terms of plot and development.
It succeeds, and knows how to be the near-perfect film for young and old alike. Does it suffer from complexity? That as well, but it steers clear of getting into narrative twists and turns, such as in The Hunchback of Notre Dame.
Our Opinion
The perfect choice for a magical, tender and charming evening.
A demonstration of how new animation techniques can also be put to a “more classic, impossible” style.
Enjoy it, young and old.
Release Date
March 17, 2023
Where to Watch The Magician’s Elephant
The Cast
 Noah Jupe / Peter |  Mandy Patinkin / Vilna |
 Natasia Demetriou |  Miranda Richardson |
 Pixie Davies / Adel |  Dawn French |
 Benedict Wong |  Aasif Mandvi |
 Sian Clifford |  Brian Tyree Henry |