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What's After the Movie?
Biographical drama

Elis (2018): Cast, Ratings & Plot

Elis (2018) movie poster

Elis is a 2018 biographical drama directed by Hugo Prata, starring Andréia Horta as Elis Regina, Caco Ciocler and Júlio Andrade. It runs 1 hour 50 minutes. Critics gave it 29% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.7/10.

IMDb rating
6.7/10
Rotten Tomatoes
29%
Echo Score
65
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Elis (2018) movie poster
Released
Runtime
1h 50m (110 min)
Director
Hugo Prata
Genres
Biography , Drama , Music
Original language
Portuguese
After the credits
No No extra scene
The story

What Is Elis About?

The premise of Elis without spoilers. The whole story is in the plot summary further down.

The film portrays the life of Elis Regina, a celebrated Brazilian singer known for her captivating voice and passionate performances. It delves into the challenges she faced both professionally and personally, showcasing the triumphs and struggles of her career. Through a biographical lens, the drama explores the complexities of this iconic artist, revealing the dedication and sacrifices behind her extraordinary talent and lasting legacy in Brazilian music.

Elis Themes & Keywords

· 6 tags
  • mpb
  • musician
  • singer
  • brazilian musicians
  • brazilian singer
  • brazilian music
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Cast & crew

Elis Cast & Characters

Andréia Horta leads the cast as Elis Regina, with Caco Ciocler as César Camargo Mariano and Júlio Andrade as Lennie Dale. Directed by Hugo Prata; 10 actors are credited in all.

Also Starring in Elis

· 6 more
Ratings

Elis Reviews & Ratings

Critics gave Elis 29% on Rotten Tomatoes, and IMDb users rate it 6.7/10. Our Echo Score gives it 65/100, strongest in sensory experience (80) and weakest in story & flow (45).

65 /100

Elis Echo Score Breakdown

In overall terms, 'Elis' delivers a visually engaging biographical portrait that is anchored by a compelling central performance yet hampered by uneven narrative cohesion. While the film excels in its picturesque cinematography, authentic period recreation, and vibrant musical set pieces, it often resorts to episodic highlights that omit deeper historical context. The dramatic trajectory occasionally feels fragmented and formulaic, limiting emotional resonance. Ultimately, its strong aesthetic qualities and standout lead performance coexist with a narrative approach that remains only partially satisfying.

Our own 0–100 rating, built from five aspects: art, character, story, the sensory experience and how well a film rewatches.

  • Art & Craft 75

    The film’s visual presentation stands out for its elegant cinematography and meticulous production design. Reviewers praise the period-accurate costumes, evocative color palette, and immersive framing that evoke the Brazilian musical era. However, some responses note a superficial or telefilm-like treatment in dramatic sequences. On balance, the film’s art direction and visual craft remain one of its more compelling attributes.

  • Character & Emotion 70

    In terms of character and emotion, the film is anchored by a luminous lead performance that captures the energy and presence of its subject. The central portrayal is widely commended for its authenticity, and supporting roles receive occasional praise. Yet the narrative’s episodic structure curtails deeper character exploration and emotional insight. Overall, the film’s acting achievements stand out despite limited character depth.

  • Story & Flow 45

    When it comes to story and flow, the film presents an episodic progression that highlights key moments but sacrifices narrative coherence. The pacing alternates between engaging sequences and abrupt transitions that can be disorienting. Historical and temporal markers are often assumed rather than clarified, which diminishes context and depth. In summary, while the biopic offers memorable scenes, its storytelling approach feels fragmented and underdeveloped.

  • Sensory Experience 80

    In terms of sensory experience, the film immerses viewers with a vibrant soundtrack featuring expertly lip-synced performances and compelling sound design. The visual style is bolstered by an understated color palette and thoughtfully composed shots. Occasional critiques point to a somewhat televisual aesthetic, but overall the musical and visual elements provide a rich, engaging sensory landscape.

  • Rewatch Factor 60

    Regarding rewatch factor, the film’s strong musical sequences and standout lead portrayal encourage repeat viewings for their emotional and aesthetic appeal. However, the uneven pacing and episodic narrative may limit the desire to revisit the story as a whole. Ultimately, the film offers moments of lasting resonance, though its structural gaps constrain sustained replay value.

Plot

Elis Plot Summary

What happens in Elis from start to finish, spoilers included, with a timeline of 15 key events. The opening is below; the full summary is a 5-minute read.

Spoilers ahead

The story opens in 1997 with the passing of Colonel Tom Parker, portrayed by Tom Hanks, igniting a wave of media scrutiny aimed at dissecting his controversial legacy. As his narrative unfolds, he portrays himself as the orchestrator behind the rise of Elvis Presley, the legendary King of Rock and Roll, played by Austin Butler.

Full summary

The whole story of Elis, scene by scene

Read the full summary
Videos

Elis Trailers & Videos

The trailer of Elis.

Official Trailer
Quiz

How Well Do You Know Elis?

10 questions about the story, each with a hint if you get stuck. Pick an answer to see whether you were right.

Question 1 of 10

  1. Question 1: not answered
  2. Question 2: not answered
  3. Question 3: not answered
  4. Question 4: not answered
  5. Question 5: not answered
  6. Question 6: not answered
  7. Question 7: not answered
  8. Question 8: not answered
  9. Question 9: not answered
  10. Question 10: not answered

What pivotal moment opens the movie 'Elvis'?

Details

Elis Also Known As

16 alternative titles, including “エリサ&マルセラ” and “Elisa and Marcela”.

Also known as
  • エリサ&マルセラ
  • Elisa and Marcela
  • Элиса и Марчела
  • Ελίζα και Μαρσέλα
  • 엘리사와 마르셀라
  • Elisa e Marcela
  • Elisa és Marcela
  • Елиза и Марсела
  • Elisa i Marcela
  • 埃莉莎与玛塞拉
  • Elisa und Marcela
  • Elisa a Marcela
+4 more
  • אליסה ומרסלה
  • エリサ&マルセラ
  • Elisa și Marcela
  • 艾莉莎與瑪榭拉

Seen Elis?

FAQ

Elis FAQ: Cast, Runtime & Release Date

Runtime, release date, director, cast, ratings, post-credit scenes and language of Elis, each answered in a sentence.

How long is Elis?

Elis runs 1 hour 50 minutes (110 minutes).

When was Elis released?

Elis was released on March 23, 2018.

Who directed Elis?

Elis was directed by Hugo Prata.

More films by Hugo Prata

Who is in the cast of Elis?

Elis stars Andréia Horta as Elis Regina, Caco Ciocler as César Camargo Mariano and Júlio Andrade as Lennie Dale, among 10 credited actors.

How is Elis rated?

Elis has 6.7/10 on IMDb, 29% on Rotten Tomatoes, 73% on TMDB and 3.5/5 on Letterboxd.

Does Elis have a post-credit scene?

No. Elis has no extra scene during or after the credits.

What language is Elis in?

The original language of Elis is Portuguese.

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