The Elephant Man

The Elephant Man has built a devoted audience in Australia on MUBI and HBO Max, and in the US on Criterion Channel among viewers who want their drama to earn its emotional beats. It knows exactly what kind of film it is from the opening scene, and never loses that thread. An 8/10 rating says what the writing already makes obvious: this one works. Watch it for Anthony Hopkins — one of the stronger performances out there right now. Available now on MUBI — press play and find out why people keep recommending it.

Whatever else is competing for your attention this week, The Elephant Man is worth clearing space for. Character-driven storytelling at its most effective — The Elephant Man earns every emotional beat it goes for. A Victorian surgeon rescues a heavily disfigured man being mistreated by his "owner" as a side-show freak. Behind his monstrous façade, there is revealed a person of great intelligence and sensitivity. Based on the true story of Joseph Merrick (called John Merrick in the film), a severely deformed man in 19th century London. The performances from Anthony Hopkins and John Hurt give it more weight than the premise alone would suggest. The Elephant Man came out in 1980. The Elephant Man resists tidy resolutions in a way that respects how messy real consequences actually are. It rarely drops the ball, and when it does, it recovers fast.

Viewers drawn to character-driven storytelling will find plenty to sit with in The Elephant Man. It does not lean on comparisons to make its case. Short enough to finish in one sitting, substantial enough to feel satisfying. Anthony Hopkins carries the material with a performance that rewards close attention. Worth starting sooner rather than later.