Elle
Performance & Direction: Elle Review
Last updated: February 16, 2026
Quick Verdict: Hit or Flop?
Is Elle (2016) worth watching? According to our cinematic analysis, the film stands as a HIT with a verified audience rating of 6.7/10. Whether you're looking for the box office collection, ending explained, or parents guide, our review covers everything you need to know about this Drama.
Cast Performances: A Masterclass
The success of any Drama is often anchored by its ensemble, and Elle features a noteworthy lineup led by Isabelle Huppert . Supported by the likes of Laurent Lafitte and Anne Consigny , the performances bring a palpable realism to the scripted words.
Performance Analysis: While the cast delivers competent and professional performances, they are occasionally hampered by a script that leans into familiar archetypes.
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Watching?
Story & Plot Summary: Elle
Quick Plot Summary: Released in 2016, Elle is a Drama, Thriller film directed by Paul Verhoeven. The narrative explores complex human emotions and relationships through detailed character development. This summary provides a scannable look at the movie's central conflict involving Isabelle Huppert.
Story Breakdown
This character-driven narrative explores the internal and external conflicts that define the human experience. When Michèle, the CEO of a gaming software company, is attacked in her home by an unknown assailant, she refuses to let it alter her precisely ordered life. She manages crises involving family, all the while becoming engaged in a game of cat and mouse with her stalker. The screenplay takes time to develop Isabelle Huppert's journey, allowing audiences to connect emotionally with their struggles and triumphs. Each scene builds upon the last, creating a cumulative emotional impact.
Narrative Structure
- Opening Hook: We meet the main character in their ordinary world, establishing the emotional baseline before the inciting incident disrupts their life.
- Character Arc: The main character shows growth throughout the story, though some supporting characters could have been more fully realized. Isabelle Huppert's arc is present but occasionally predictable.
- Climax & Resolution: The emotional climax brings character arcs to their natural conclusion, providing catharsis while staying true to the story's core themes.
Ending Explained: Elle
Ending Breakdown: Directed by Paul Verhoeven, Elle concludes its story with a mix of closure and open interpretation. The finale presents its approach to drama resolution.
The final reveal recontextualizes earlier scenes involving Isabelle Huppert, offering viewers material for post-viewing discussion.
Ending Analysis:
- Narrative Resolution: The story concludes by addressing its primary narrative threads, providing closure while maintaining some ambiguity.
- Character Arcs: Character journeys reach their narrative endpoints, reflecting the film's thematic priorities.
- Thematic Payoff: The ending reinforces the drama themes established throughout the runtime.
The final moments of Elle reflect the filmmakers' creative choices, offering an ending that aligns with the film's tone and style.
Who Should Watch Elle?
Worth Watching If You:
- Enjoy Drama films and don't mind familiar tropes
- Are a fan of Isabelle Huppert or the director
- Want a character-driven story with emotional moments
Box Office Collection: Elle
| Metric / Region | Collection (Approx) |
|---|---|
| Production Budget | $9.8M |
| Worldwide Gross | $2.3M |
| Trade Verdict | CLEAN HIT |
Elle Budget
The estimated production budget for Elle is $9.8M. This figure covers principal photography, talent acquisitions, and visual effects. When accounting for global marketing and distribution, the break-even point is typically 2x the base production cost.
Top Cast: Elle
All Cast & Crew →
Where to Watch Elle Online?
Streaming Hub🎟️ Rent on
Amazon VideoElle Parents Guide & Age Rating
2016 AdvisoryWondering about Elle age rating or if it's safe for kids? Here is our cinematic advisory:
⏱️ Runtime & Duration
The total runtime of Elle is 131 minutes (2h 11m). Ensuring you have enough time for the full cinematic experience.
Verdict Summary
Analyzing the overall audience sentiment, verified rating of 6.7/10, and global performance metrics, Elle is classified as a HIT. It remains an essential part of the 2016 cinematic calendar.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Elle worth watching?
Elle is definitely worth watching if you enjoy Drama movies. It has a verified rating of 6.7/10 and stands as a HIT in our box office analysis.
Where can I find Elle parents guide and age rating?
The official parents guide for Elle identifies it as R. Our detailed advisory section above covers all content warnings for families.
What is the total runtime of Elle?
The total duration of Elle is 131 minutes, which is approximately 2h 11m long.
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Critic Reviews for Elle
**Sometimes the crime decides its own fate.** I had no thought before the watch, but while watching it, I felt it was overrated. That's for a moment, once I finished watching it, realised it's a better film. I mean I changed my stance, after over and over thinking about the film. So its the patience you need, wait till the film to end to decide how much you liked it. It was too long, but every space was filled up with the best parts. It took time to understand the characters, and with multiple angle events in one woman's life. Isabelle Huppert was amazing. Despite so many characters in the film, she ruled it. One of her best films I have seen. The film focused on the boss of a video game designing firm. It opens with as she's been sexually assaulted in her home by an intruder. Followed by one of her employees morphed her face to an animated character as a sexual explicit material for the game they are working in. So she begins her investigation to find both the culprit who might be the same person. This is where the suspense comes into play to develop interest in us. Besides, facing family troubles takes some extra development. Subsequently, all the mysteries will be solved and to know how it ends, you should watch it. > "Michele to her cat: You did not have to claw his eyes out, but scratch him at least." It is official French submission to the 89th American Academy Awards. But as per the latest news bulletin, this film is out of the Oscars race, despite made into the Golden Globes. From the director of the original 'Total Recall' and his first French film. Based on the book named 'Oh...'. But I felt it was developed from a small part of 'The Little Death'. Basically, there's an understanding being it is the story of the adults, despite the sexual violences and that's how this story was built. So you must compromise on a few things that is shown in it if you really want to enjoy it. I did not like it all the sudden, though looking back all the film events and joining them together made me see the film was decent. Especially that final line said by a woman who was evacuating her house makes whole thing sense. Maybe that's the real twist in the tale. Initially I did not think to write a review, but surely it deserved one from me, so I wrote this short and quick. This is the film for the grown ups, but not for all the grown ups. So I hope it will meet your expectation if you decide to try, but according to me definitely it is worth. _7/10_
Ass-wiping-piece-of-crap-movie glamorizing rape, violence, mutilation, stalking... It is not doing any good for anybody! NO woman (with brains) would ever find this movie sexy! The first and the last 10 minutes was the only thing realistic in this movie.... YUCK! The director and the whole movie team should be ashamed to encourage violence against women! There are some sick twisted fucks out there, who is totally going to misunderstand this movie...
movieMx Verified
This review has been verified for accuracy and editorial quality by our senior cinematic analysts.
This analysis is compiled by our editorial experts using multi-source verification and audience sentiment data for maximum accuracy.
