Dir: Abinash Bikram Shah | Drama, Nepal 2026
Elephants in the Fog, the debut feature from Nepali director Abinash Bikram Shah, is a quiet and atmospheric drama that leaves a strong impression despite its unassuming characters and minimal dialogue. .
Premiering in Cannes’ Un Certain Regard section, the film follows Pirati, the leader of a small Kinnar community living near a forest where wild elephants increasingly threaten nearby villages. But the elephants are only part of the story. Shah is more interested in people pushed to the margins — by society, by poverty, and by the slow disappearance of the world around them.
The film moves at an unhurried pace, with long silences and striking images of mist-covered forests. Some viewers may find it too slow, but its slowburn nature makes it a soothng, contemplative arthouse drama, With his meticulous camerawork DoP Noe Bach captures everyday gestures, conversations, and rituals, allowing the emotional weight to build naturally.
What stands out most is the film’s compassion. Pirati is portrayed not as a symbol, but as a fully human character trying to hold her community together in uncertain times. The performances feel natural and understated, giving the story an unusual honesty.
Elephants in the Fog is certainly a pleasure to watch. The jungle feels alive, mysterious, and threatening all at once. Shah avoids melodrama and trusts the atmosphere to carry the film.
Not every moment works equally well, and the film occasionally risks becoming too abstract. Yet it remains an impressive and confident first feature — one that signals an important new voice in South Asian cinema.
Elephants in the Fog may not appeal to audiences looking for conventional storytelling, but for viewers willing to settle into its rhythm, it offers something haunting and memorable.
UN CERTAIN REGARD | CANNES FILM FESTIVAL 2026