Torill Kove, known for her sensitivity in exploring the complexities of family relationships and the nuances of memory, presents us with "Maybe Elephants," a short film that revisits themes seen in her previous work while offering a fresh perspective on human nature. Set in the 1970s, the film follows a Norwegian family on a trip to Kenya, seeking new experiences, only to encounter the personal and collective challenges that arise during the journey.
The film's plot is a sensitive and ironic dive into family dynamics. Much like in "Me and My Moulton" (2014), Kove introduces us to a family that, although seemingly ordinary, carries peculiar elements in its daily life that make it unique. This time, the focus is on the mother, a strong, creative, and contradictory character. Her personality deviates from the expected "perfect mother" mold, especially when her struggle with depression begins to affect family relationships. This portrayal is not melodramatic but rather infused with subtle irony, characteristic of Kove's style, allowing the audience to reflect on what it means to be "normal" within the confines of a dysfunctional family.
The narrative delicately explores the growth process and transformation of each character, especially the sisters. As they enter adolescence, they begin to notice the differences between themselves and the adults around them. Kove not only questions the concepts of social conformity but also illustrates the tension between the need for belonging and the desire for individuality. The interactions between the sisters, especially as they experience this journey in Kenya, serve as a reflection of the uncertainties typical of this stage in life, while the parental figures reveal their own flaws and vulnerabilities.
One of the most impactful moments in the film occurs when the mother, in an impulsive act of courage, drives a herd of elephants away from their campsite. This scene is loaded with symbolism and is remembered in very different ways by the sisters as time passes. This simple but dramatic event becomes a landmark in the characters' memories and illustrates the complexity of emotional memory. The way time distorts memories, transforming them into something almost mythical, is one of the film's greatest contributions: a mother facing imminent danger with an unshaken posture, while in reality, her own fragility remains hidden.
Kove, unlike many filmmakers who approach family dysfunction with a heavy and accusatory tone, adopts a more introspective and ironic stance. In her works, irony doesn't minimize the seriousness of the situations but offers a broader perspective on human conflicts. This touch of melancholic humor adds depth to the characters and sets the film apart from other stories about complicated families. The relationship between the family members is, at once, marked by emotional disconnection but also by a deep and genuine love, even if misaligned.
Visually, "Maybe Elephants" is a treat. The film's aesthetic, blending simplicity and sophistication, perfectly complements the narrative. The colors, scene composition, and the way Kove uses space to tell the story visually and intimately are clear examples of her mastery as a filmmaker. The elephant scene, in particular, is emblematic not just for the action but for how nature, with its contrasts and vastness, reflects the characters' conflicting emotions.
Each family member's voice is skillfully explored throughout the film, and the voice acting is moving. The emotions of the characters overflow through the subtlety of the dialogues and the careful interpretation of feelings, often unsaid but visible in gestures and expressions. The way the animator manages to convey tension and tenderness with so little is a perfect example of how animation can be deeper than it first appears.
At its core, "Maybe Elephants" is about trying to understand the past, but also about how it transforms into something we can carry with us or even reinvent over time. The film's handling of memory, trauma, and the evolution of family relationships is both delicate and radical. The mother, with her strength and vulnerability, serves as a mirror for the viewer's own uncertainties, while the sisters, with their different perspectives on the same story, show us how time can alter even the most significant memories.
Overall, "Maybe Elephants" is a work of rare sensitivity, exploring the complexities of memory, family, and the human experience with impressive softness and depth. Kove once again proves herself to be a unique filmmaker, capable of addressing universal themes with a lightness that doesn't diminish the power of the issues she raises. The combination of irony, delicacy, and introspection makes this film a masterpiece of animation, speaking to the heart of anyone who has ever gotten lost and found themselves again in their own memories.
