63
Metascore
6 reviews · Provided by Metacritic.com
- 78Austin ChronicleMarc SavlovAustin ChronicleMarc SavlovThrough it all Philps keeps her camera low the better to represent the children’s as-yet-unformed POV, both literally and emotionally
- 75Slant MagazineDan RubinsSlant MagazineDan RubinsKatrine Philp’s documentary boldly argues for a clear-eyed frankness in talking to bereaved children about loss.
- 70The New York TimesGlenn KennyThe New York TimesGlenn KennyIt could be argued that the film needed a little more documentary-style explanation about how the facility works — how long children stay, the goals of the treatment, and so on. But ultimately, Philp can’t be blamed for stressing emotional engagement over exposition.
- 65Film ThreatHanna B.Film ThreatHanna B.In the end, there is no denying An Elephant in the Room is a very earnest project and it is the kind of documentary that has a subject so strong and primordial to its existence that “appearances and effects” might bear little consequences to its overall appreciation.
- 50The Hollywood ReporterJohn DeForeThe Hollywood ReporterJohn DeForeThe film exudes empathy, as you'd expect, but struggles to find a compelling point of view.
- 50Los Angeles TimesMichael OrdoñaLos Angeles TimesMichael OrdoñaBeautiful Something Left Behind, which won the documentary award at last year’s South by Southwest Film Festival when the film was called “An Elephant in the Room,” serves as a snapshot of kids in emotional crises, but sadly, little more.