Where was Eli filmed?

Eli (Charlie Shotwell) suffers from a severe allergic reaction to the outdoors. This condition forces him to live his life in protective gear, making the outside world a nightmare for him. To cure him, Eli's parents, Rose (Kelly Reilly) and Paul (Max Martini), take him to a secluded medical facility run by Dr. Isabella Horn (Lili Taylor). This iconic setting was filmed in New Orleans, Louisiana, renowned for its rich culture, vibrant music scene, and delectable cuisine. The location adds a unique Southern Gothic ambiance to the film, enhancing the viewing experience. Visiting the filming location in New Orleans can be an exciting adventure. First-time visitors can indulge in traditional foods, enjoy craft cocktails, and immerse themselves in the lively music scene. A ride on the historic streetcar or a cruise on the ferry offers a glimpse of the city's charm. For nature lovers, a visit to City Park is a must. Spanning 1,300 acres, the park features centuries-old oak trees, the New Orleans Museum of Art, and the Besthoff Sculpture Garden. It's a serene retreat amidst the bustling city. To get to New Orleans, you can fly into Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, which is well connected with major cities across the U.S. From there, you can take a taxi or ride-sharing service to explore the city and its iconic locations.

Eli's (Charlie Shotwell) parents take him to a secluded medical facility housed in a large, old house that has been modernized and hermetically quarantined. It's a place of hope but also one of eerie isolation. One of the most memorable scenes in the film happens when Eli's parents drive him to this house for the first time. The house looms at the end of an oak-shrouded lane, the surroundings blurred by a thick fog, adding an air of mystery and foreboding to their destination. This chilling scene, where the unknown blends with fear, sets the tone for the rest of the film. The filming location for this scene is inspired by the historic plantations found on the outskirts of New Orleans, Louisiana. The foggy, oak-lined lane leading to the house in the film strongly resembles the landscapes found at places like Evergreen Plantation or Oak Alley Plantation. Although the Plantation is not open to the public, film enthusiasts can immerse themselves in a comparable ambiance at Oak Alley Plantation. Over its more than two-century-long existence, Oak Alley Plantation has had diverse identities. For example, it was once a sugar plantation, later an abandoned investment property, then a cattle ranch. It even stood as a beacon of resistance against the Army Corps of Engineers. Its current incarnation is a historical site committed to conserving and elucidating every facet of its multifaceted past. If you want to visit Oak Alley Plantation, you can drive from New Orleans. Since there's no public transportation available to this location, renting a car is a practical option. This allows Eli's fans to explore various filming locations at their own pace. The drive from New Orleans to the plantation typically takes around an hour.

In this scene, Dr. Isabella Horn (Lili Taylor), who had been treating Eli under the guise of a medical professional, begins a religious ritual intended to end Eli's life. Horn confronts Eli with holy water and a sacrificial dagger, casting a chilling pall over the atmosphere. The suspense and tension are palpable as Horn tries to disable Eli with the holy water and stab him with the dagger. This scene is a shocking turning point that subverts the audience's expectations and redefines the narrative. While New Orleans, Louisiana, served as Eli's primary filming site, the house's exterior, a central locale in the movie, drew inspiration from the Old Beauregard Parish Jail in DeRidder, Louisiana. This jail, built in 1914 and embodying the Gothic Revival architectural style, is known for its eerie and captivating aesthetic, earning nicknames like the Gothic Jail or the Hanging Jail. This jail's formidable stone walls and impressive structure provided the perfect muse for the unsettling dwelling featured in the film. Visitors interested in experiencing the sinister ambiance of the Gothic jail can contact the administration, which now owns the jail, to arrange a tour. The jail was listed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1981, further cementing its historical significance. To get to DeRidder, Louisiana, fly into Lake Charles Regional Airport or Alexandria International Airport and then drive to DeRidder. Fans from New Orleans can hire a car and drive via I-10 W, which will take almost 3 hours. It's a journey that allows you to see the inspiration behind the haunting house in Eli and a chance to explore Louisiana's rich history and culture.