Review | The Magician's Elephant - Future of the Force

“The Magician’s Elephant is the perfect film for families. Beautiful visuals and an uplifting adventure, this film is about following your dreams and never giving up.”

The Magician’s Elephant is an animated film based on the book of the same name by two-time Newbery Award winning author Kate DiCamillo. The film arrives this Friday on Netflix.

STORY

*THE MAGICIAN’S ELEPHANT* Cr: Netflix © 2023

The film tells the story of young Peter who was raised by a soldier in the town of Baltese. When he crosses path with a fortune teller, she tells him to follow the elephant if he must find his long-lost sister. This sets Peter off an unexpected journey. Indeed, he must accomplish three impossible tasks if he wants the elephant to lead him to his sister. This is an uplifting adventure that is about following your dreams and never giving up. Without any doubt, it is a perfect film for families but also for anyone who just needs to hear this powerful message.

VISUALS

The animation was made by Animal Logic. It is an atypical style of animation but it is definitely a beautiful one. Firstly, the characters are quite expressive. Secondly, the setting is so colorful and magnificent. I love the town’s Mediterranean feel. This film transports you to a world that you want to explore in every corner.

VOICE CAST

Moreover, this film gathers an impressive voice cast which includes Noah Jupe, Mandy Patinkin, Brian Tyree Henry, Benedict Wong and Miranda Richardson. Undoubtedly, Noah Jupe is the highlight of this cast. He delivers an earnest performance as Peter, the protagonist. But Benedict Wong is also worth mentioning. There is something in his voice intonation that just feels perfecr for a clumsy old magician.

SOUNDTRACK

Finally, Mark Mothersbaugh has composed a beautiful score that accompany Peter through his journey. And the song ‘Found’ by Nick Youre excellently encapsulates the uplifting and optimistic spirit of this film.

VERDICT

The Magician’s Elephant is the perfect film for families. Beautiful visuals and an uplifting adventure, this film is about following your dreams and never giving up.