Movie Review: Ghost Elephants

Screened at Stockholm International Film Festival 2025

One-liner: A humble, poetic, pure and spiritual safari adventure documentary exploration from Werner Herzog.

Ghost Elephants is a documentary from master filmmaker Werner Herzog, charting the expedition of wildlife expert Dr. Steve Boyes as he continues his search for a rare species of elephant. These elephants are believed to be the descendants of one of the largest elephants ever hunted and killed in Africa by Count K.C. E. Fénykövi in 1955, weighing approximately 11,000kg and standing nearly 4 metres tall, donated and displayed at the Smithsonian Institution. 

This overland adventure sees Boyes form a team with expert San trackers to travel to a remote part of Africa where the ghost elephants supposedly roam. The journey takes them deep into the heart of the continent, where they must secure special permission and a blessing for safe passage from a local king. Reminiscent of Grizzly Man and Fitzcarraldo in some respects, Ghost Elephants has a far greater humility and spiritual dimension.

Taking motorbikes and keeping their gear portable, the team embarks on this important expedition hoping to secure evidence of the elephants’ existence. As narrator and occasional interviewer, Werner Herzog positions himself just outside the action, allowing us to become acquainted with Steve Boyes, the mission, and its profound significance. The film starts at the Smithsonian, where remnants of the previously hunted elephants remain. Special DNA samples and testing are conducted there to draw parallels and seek confirmation of a future find.

The massive bones, dating back to the 1950s, and a reconstruction of the actual elephant in this New York setting contrast starkly with the natural habitat of these legendary beasts. This establishes an interesting contrast between the days of open hunting and today’s conservation efforts. The approach is wildly different: the team is shooting with a camera, not a rifle, making this peaceful expedition about serving as an eyewitness rather than taking home a trophy. While the focus has changed dramatically, the real win is for Boyes to see them with his own eyes and capture footage to prove their existence for further studies.

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

Thanks to the Bushmen, whose ancient culture and brilliant tracking skills form a parallel story, Ghost Elephants creates a rich tapestry of history, storytelling and documentary. The film traces the journey with breathtaking cinematography, capturing rich insights into San culture and making startling revelations through the science of the adventure. Audiences are treated to never-before-seen footage of these almost-sacred spaces on the African continent, shot with portability in mind. This documentary prioritizes authenticity and purity over aesthetic polish. From magical moments in the wilderness to the intrepid spirit of exploration, the film imparts a fuller appreciation of the lengths to which some people will go just to see something with their own eyes.

The mission hinges instrumentally around Boyes and his team uncovering the near-mythological beasts at its core, while Herzog remains a creative force capable of steering the documentary whether the mission succeeds or fails. Ghost Elephants remains compelling, informative and timely. Though a little rough-hewn at times, this story about gentle giants is respectful, nuanced and recognizes the power of storytelling. Through Herzog’s incisive questions and poetic language, he conjures up a sense of grandeur and a purity of spirit, immersing the viewer in the hunt against a backdrop of deep respect for nature, culture, and custom, allowing the mission to unfold without trying to force drama.

There is a quiet, humble dignity to Ghost Elephants that is appreciated in an age where manipulation is commonplace. Herzog’s documentary shows a sense of wonder and a love of people as well as nature, chronicling this beautiful journey with grace and poise. While it may not be the most polished documentary, its authenticity and spirit keep it engaging as we enjoy this vicarious experience through the eyes of the two dreamers at its centre: Steve Boyes and Werner Herzog.

The bottom line: Humble