Drama / comedy
2001 Norway
89 minutes
Language: Norwegian
Subtitles: English
Director: Petter Næss
Available on Viaplay, Apple-TV, SF Anytime and more
When his mother, who has sheltered him his entire 40 years, dies, sensitive would-be poet Elling is sent to live in a state institution. There he meets Kjell Bjarne, a gentle giant and woman-obsessed virgin in his 40s. After two years, the men are released and provided with a state-funded apartment and stipend with the hope they will be able to live on their own. Initially, the simple act of going around the corner for groceries is a challenge. Through a friendship born of desperate dependence, the skittish Elling and the boisterous, would-be ladies’ man Kjell Bjarne discover that not only can they survive on the outside–they can thrive. But as their courage grows, they find oddball ways to cope with society and strike up friendships in the unlikeliest places. (from IMDB.com)
The film was nominated for an Oscar for Best Foreign Language Film in 2002.
Two sequels have also been made: Mors Elling (Mothers Elling) (2003) and Elsk meg i morgen (Love Me Tomorrow) (2005)
In 2026, production began on a final film about Elling. At this year’s Amanda Awards, the Honorary Award went to Per Christian Ellefsen, known for his iconic portrayal of the character Elling over the years. In his acceptance speech, he concluded with the following words: “I would very much like to share this Amanda Award with everyone who struggles a little extra to get through each day and face life. Keep going. Elling is a great inspiration to so many people, and we need Elling.”