Elling

Two misfits find friendship and courage in a world that seems daunting and unwelcoming.

Critics broadly praised Elling as a quirky, gentle, and warm comedy-drama with strong performances and emotional generosity.

• Elling and Kjell Bjarne leave a state institution and struggle with the practical demands of supported independent living.
• The two men rely on each other to face groceries, neighbors, romance, and other challenges outside institutional care.
• Basic activities such as shopping and meeting people become comic tests of courage for the protagonists.
• Elling's ambitions as a poet and his poetry reading provide a concrete route toward public confidence.

• The Intouchablesgentle, eccentric comedy about friendship, social marginalization, and finding dignity in ordinary life
• The Station Agentwarmly comic outsider protagonists navigating independence and unconventional relationships
• Lars and the Real Girlempathetic comedy-drama centered on socially awkward men building meaningful connections

Director

Petter Næss

Release Date

2001-03-16

Runtime

89 min

Rating

7.1 / 10 (207)

What is Elling about?

Two sheltered men transform supported living, social anxiety, and unlikely companionship into a tenderly comic bid for independence.

What is Elling like to watch?

Ember's analysis rates the pacing of Elling as brisk, its intensity as moderate and its storytelling as easy to follow.

Is Elling violent?

No — Ember's analysis finds no violence in Elling.

What did critics think of Elling?

Critics broadly praised Elling as a quirky, gentle, and warm comedy-drama with strong performances and emotional generosity.

Which films are like Elling?

Films with a similar feel include The Intouchables, The Station Agent, and Lars and the Real Girl.

How long is Elling?

Elling runs 89 minutes.

Where can I watch Elling?

In United States, Elling streams on Viaplay Amazon Channel.