• The Elephant in the Living Room (2011)

    While wild animals are mere subjects of fascination for many, some in the United States take the step of bringing them into their homes. This documentary explores the trend of individuals keeping exotic animals as pets and the problems that surround the issue. Among those interviewed are Tim Harrison, an expert on dealing with dangerous pets that have escaped or can't be controlled by their owners, and Terry Brumfield, a troubled man who finds solace in his relationship with his two pet lions.

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The Elephant in the Living Room
69
metacriticBased on 11 Critics
65
Based on 4 Users

Release Date: April 1st, 2011

DVD Release Date: February 7th, 2012

PG |1 hr 36 min

Plot Summary

While wild animals are mere subjects of fascination for many, some in the United States take the step of bringing them into their homes. This documentary explores the trend of individuals keeping exotic animals as pets and the problems that surround the issue. Among those interviewed are Tim Harrison, an expert on dealing with dangerous pets that have escaped or can't be controlled by their owners, and Terry Brumfield, a troubled man who finds solace in his relationship with his two pet lions.

Director: Michael Webber

Genres: Documentary

Keywords: Emotional, New York City, 2000s, Passionate

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Ratings & Reviews

  • 75
    Mike ScottNew Orleans Times-Picayune

    There are moments when the freak-show elements of the film threaten to overpower its message, but that message is such a fascinating one -- and the debate an important one as well -- that The Elephant in the Living Room manages to overcome them. show more

  • 63
    Wesley MorrisBoston Globe

    The movie effectively rids you of any notion that owning a cougar or a python is a good idea. show more

  • 75
    Roger MooreOrlando Sentinel

    The Elephant in the Living Room is damning, but also very sad. These stories, as Harrison points out, never have a happy ending. show more

See all critic reviews on metacritic.com