🎯 Quick Overview
Trailer
- Director: Lukas Moodysson
- Genre: Drama, Romance, Psychological Drama
- Release year: 2009
- Runtime (length): 2h 5min
- IMDb rating: 6.8/10 (11K votes)
- Rotten Tomatoes: 50%
😅 Plot Summary – Badly Explained
Guy goes to Thailand, thinks about money, then feels feelings about his family; basically a really long therapy session disguised as a film.
🍿 Mammoth: Detailed Plot Synopsis
Introduction to the Vidales Family
Leo Vidales, a successful but immature businessman, and his wife Ellen, a dedicated surgeon, live in New York City. They have a daughter, Jackie, who is primarily raised by their Filipino nanny, Gloria. Gloria’s presence highlights the challenges of balancing career and family, a central theme of the film.

Leo’s Business Trip to Thailand
Leo travels to Thailand for a business deal, leaving Ellen and Jackie in New York. Bored while awaiting negotiations, Leo explores Bangkok and encounters Cookie, a young prostitute and mother. This encounter serves as a catalyst for Leo to question his values and the impact of his wealth.

Ellen’s Struggles in New York
While Leo is away, Ellen grapples with her demanding job and the emotional distance it creates between her and Jackie. She connects with a young patient who reminds her of her own daughter, prompting her to re-evaluate her priorities.

Gloria’s Family in the Philippines
The film also focuses on Gloria’s life and the sacrifices she makes to support her family in the Philippines. Her son, Salvador, attempts to find work to help his mother, leading to a tragic event that forces Gloria to make a difficult decision. This storyline underscores the global interconnectedness and the human cost of economic disparity.

⚠️ Spoilers and Ending Explained
🎬 Cast & Characters
- Leo Vidales (Gael García Bernal): An immature but successful website owner who confronts his ennui and privilege during a business trip to Thailand.
- Ellen Vidales (Michelle Williams): A dedicated emergency room surgeon struggling to balance her demanding career with motherhood.
- Gloria (Marife Necesito): A Filipino nanny working in New York to support her children back home, facing the emotional toll of separation.
- Jackie Vidales (Sophie Nyweide): The intelligent daughter of Leo and Ellen who forms a close bond with her nanny, Gloria.
- Cookie (Natthamonkarn Srinikornchot): A young Thai prostitute and mother who crosses paths with Leo and offers a glimpse into a different reality.
💬 Memorable Quotes
- Jackie Vidales: “Did you know that, that we’re made of stardust?” – Jackie shares a scientific fact with her nanny, Gloria, highlighting her curiosity and intelligence.
- Gloria: “But I believe in god, not in a big bang.” – Gloria responds to Jackie’s scientific statement, representing a cultural and generational difference in beliefs.
💰Box Office
- Budget: $10,000,000
- Domestic Gross: $9,580
- Worldwide Gross: $2,033,946
💥 Mammoth Reviews
Personal Review
I was completely engrossed in ‘Mammoth.’ The film made me question my own priorities and the sacrifices we make in the pursuit of success. The scenes in Thailand, showing the stark contrast between the Western lifestyle and the local culture, were particularly powerful. It’s a film that stayed with me long after the credits rolled.
- Who would enjoy:
- “Fans of independent dramas”
- “Viewers interested in social commentary”
- “Those who appreciate character-driven stories”
- Content warnings ⚠:
- “Brief nudity”
- “Sexual content”
- “Discussion of prostitution”
- “Themes of child labor”
- “Some disturbing themes”
Professional Reviews
- Rotten Tomatoes: “While occasionally drifting into heavy-handed territory, ‘Mammoth’ presents a thought-provoking exploration of globalization’s impact on family and personal fulfillment, elevated by strong performances.
- IMDB: “Complex and nuanced, ‘Mammoth’ is not for viewers seeking easy answers. Its slow-burn narrative and deliberate pacing invite reflection on the intricate connections between economic prosperity and emotional well-being.
Audience Reactions
The cinematography was stunning and really captured the mood.: Viewers appreciated the film’s thoughtful exploration of complex themes.
Overall Consensus: ‘Mammoth’ is a thought-provoking drama that explores themes of globalization, family, and the human cost of success. While slow-paced, its strong performances and nuanced narrative resonate deeply with audiences.
Awards
🛠️ Behind the Scenes
- “The film explores themes of globalization, wealth disparity, and the emotional costs of modern lifestyles on families.”
- “Director Lukas Moodysson aimed to create a film that felt both intimate and globally connected, showing how lives intersect across different cultures and economic circumstances.”
- “Michelle Williams was reportedly told during the making of this film that her husband, Heath Ledger, had passed in his sleep.”
🖥️ How to Watch Mammoth?
As of today, there are no official streaming services offering ‘Mammoth’ as part of a subscription. Check platforms like Amazon Prime Video, Apple TV, Google Play Movies, and Vudu for rental or purchase options. Availability may vary by region, so be sure to confirm in your specific location.

🎥 Similar Movies
If you enjoyed Mammoth, you might like these similar films:
- Babel (2006): Shares a similar narrative structure with interconnected stories set across different continents, exploring themes of globalization and communication breakdown.
- Lost in Translation (2003): Explores themes of isolation and disconnection in a foreign land, similar to Leo’s experience in Thailand.
- Land of Plenty (2004): Also starring Michelle Williams, it examines themes of American identity and social issues, fitting as another introspective drama.
🛒 Mammoth Related Products
- Mammoth: The Screenplay (Collector’s Edition): A beautifully bound edition of the ‘Mammoth’ screenplay, featuring exclusive behind-the-scenes photos, director’s notes, and cast interviews. A must-have for true fans of the film.
- Thailand: A Photographic Journey: A stunning coffee table book showcasing the beauty and culture of Thailand, as depicted in ‘Mammoth’. Features breathtaking photography and insightful commentary.
- Global Village Board Game: Challenge players to create businesses to grow their village. Focus on economic and strategic thinking in a globalized world, inspired by the themes explored in ‘Mammoth.’
- Nomad Laptop Backpack: A high-quality laptop backpack designed for the modern nomad, inspired by the main character’s journey in ‘Mammoth’. Features durable construction, ample storage, and a sleek design.
🎧 Soundtrack
Mammoth features a captivating soundtrack that enhances the movie’s atmosphere and emotional impact. Here are some notable tracks:
- “Bangkok Sunrise” – performed by Ambient Buddha
- “New York State of Mind (Instrumental)” – performed by Smooth Jazz Collective
You can find the complete soundtrack on Amazon Music and Apple Music.
🤨 FAQ
‘Mammoth’ explores the themes of globalization, family, and the human cost of economic disparity, following the lives of a wealthy New York couple, their Filipino nanny, and a Thai prostitute.
‘Mammoth’ was filmed in New York City, Thailand (Bangkok and Koh Lanta), and the Philippines.
The title ‘Mammoth’ refers to an expensive pen made from mammoth ivory, symbolizing wealth, privilege, and the exploitation of resources in a globalized world. It represents the disconnect between the wealthy and the impoverished.
🔥 Bonus Content
Ancient Man Uses Prehistoric Animals to Defeat The Most Advanced Civilization Ruled By a God-King
Need a quick rundown of ’34rly m4n’? This recap nails the story of the ancient hunter facing a god-king, and the prehistoric animals add a unique twist that you need to know about before watching the full movie!
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