Water for Elephants

A truly moving tale of how a tragic beginning may cause you to stumble upon your future. A future filled with magic, enchantment and romance.

Based on the novel by Sara Gruen, Jacob’s (Pattinson) misfortune takes him from a college student to a homeless stowaway. This heartfelt movie follows the lonely 23 year old as he finds a train, a home and a life. Jacob does not run away with the circus but runs full force towards it.

Relationships soon blossom between friends and animals alike. Jacob and Rosie’s (the elephant) friendship is intense, meaningful and fills not only the screen but also our hearts. Only rivalled, perhaps, by Jacob and Marlena’s (Witherspoon) beautiful romance as both their loyalties and passions are tested. It is a film about the bonds of life created through lonesome tragedy.

Set in 1931, the film encapsulates how a penniless and homeless beginning can result in a new adventure. Jacob’s new beginning takes place on a travelling circus train as he becomes the vet for the star attractions of the daring circus. Jacob is forced to re-evaluate his moral judgments, choosing whether to follow his initiative or the ringleader, August’s orders. The balance of money and work over his heart and loyalties is the dilemma that faces Jacob throughout every moment of this moving film.

Jacob’s gripping tale of a life in the circus is a must watch. Passion, loyalty, tragedy, violence and anxiety all coincide in the lives of these characters. Pattinson and Witherspoon capture the beauty of this tale within their outstanding performances making Water for Elephants a uniquely heartfelt and intense film.

Emily Hopkins