Water for Elephants

(M) Fox DVD/BD

The film is based on a novel by Sara Gruen.

Set in the Great Depression, Jacob (Robert Pattinson) finds himself penniless, homeless and alone, rather than a successful veterinary graduate, after a family tragedy.

He goes on the road as many did at the time and finds himself on a circus train.

His veterinary skills and his ability to speak Polish to an elephant lead him into the inner circle of the Benzini Brothers circus.

Led by the brutal and increasingly unhinged August (Christoph Waltz), the circus is a dark and brutal place out of the spotlight, with money troubles and a rather off-handed approach to reducing staff numbers.

In the Big Top, however, it’s all bright lights and wonder, led by Marlena (Reese Witherspoon), the star attraction.

A marvellous film with brilliant performances. Worth a second look if you saw it in the cinema and well worth a night in with a DVD.

Dave Cornford