Ghost Elephants review: Conservationist Steve Boyes’ latest doco is visually stunning but requires patience

There are some films you watch, and then there are films you sit with. Ghost Elephants is firmly the second kind. It premiered at the Venice International Film Festival in August 2025, before making its way through the festival circuit, picking up limited screenings earlier this year, and eventually landing on television and streaming in March. It is the scenic route, and in this case, it feels right. Directed by Werner Herzog, the film follows conservationist Steve Boyes as he ventures into remote regions of Africa in search of elephants so rarely seen they have taken on an almost mythical status. But like most Herzog projects, the journey matters far more than the destination. This is not a wildlife documentary built for quick thrills. There are no dramatic chases or overworked moments designed to keep your attention every second. Instead, it takes its time. Long, patient shots. Sparse narration. A quiet confidence that the audience will meet it halfway. That is where it works best. There is an old-school feel to the whole thing. It does not chase trends or try to dress itself up as something it is not. It simply observes, reflects, and lets the story unfold. In a time where everything feels rushed and over-explained, that restraint stands out. Visually, it is stunning without ever feeling like it is showing off. Wide landscapes stretch out endlessly, with tiny human figures moving through them, a gentle reminder of just how small we really are. The sound design follows the same approach. Nothing over the top, nothing wasted. It will not be for everyone. If you are after fast-paced action or constant movement, this might test your patience. But if you are willing to settle in and let it breathe, there is plenty here to appreciate. It is not perfect, but it knows exactly what it is trying to do, and it does it well. A solid 4 out of 5. Ghost Elephants is streaming now on Disney Plus.