Where was Eli filmed?
2019
City Locations
New Orleans, Louisiana (USA)
Location Types
House
Location Styles
Creole, Gothic/Victorian, Building Dated/Retro, Rustic
About Eli
Step into the chilling world of Eli, a brilliantly crafted American horror film from 2019. Directed by the talented Ciarán Foy, this heart-pounding thriller takes you on a wild ride of fear and suspense. The performances from the incredible cast, including Kelly Reilly, Lili Taylor, Sadie Sink, Max Martini, and Charlie Shotwell, bring Eli Miller's character to life fantastically.
Eli tells the captivating tale of a young boy afflicted with a rare autoimmune disease, his desperate parents (Kelly Reilly and Max Martini), and their quest for a cure in an isolated medical facility. As Eli begins to encounter supernatural phenomena within the confines of the house, a web of chilling secrets related to his treatment is unveiled, turning their world upside down.
The film is a production of Paramount Pictures, Paramount Players, MTV Films, Intrepid Pictures, and Bellevue Productions, combining their unique expertise to create this beautiful narrative.
Despite the film not having any listed award wins or nominations in the provided context, Eli stands as a testament to exceptional filmmaking, compelling narrative, and atmospheric horror. It continues to leave a chilling impact on viewers, proving that a film's success is not determined by awards alone but by the audience's lasting impression. Dive into the eerie world of Eli and experience the power of psychological horror at its finest.
Eli Locations
Eli unfolds mainly within the ominous confines of a strange house, supposedly situated in an eerie, fog-swathed landscape. The film, predominantly shot in Louisiana, draws its atmospheric backdrop from this southern U.S. state's rich and diverse landscapes. The exterior of the haunting house is a work of CGI magic inspired by the Old Beauregard Parish Jail in DeRidder, Beauregard Parish. This historic jail, with its stone walls and towering structure, provides the perfect model for the unsettling residence in the film.
The journey to the house through the foggy path, lined with majestic oaks, is reminiscent of the quintessential Mississippi landscape. These scenes were likely filmed around historic plantations such as Evergreen Plantation and Oak Alley Plantation, both on New Orleans' outskirts. These plantations are renowned for their grand oak-lined avenues, lending an air of antiquity and mystery to the scenes in Eli.
A trip to these locations would undoubtedly be a memorable experience, especially for fans of Eli. Exploring the historic Old Beauregard Parish Jail and the beautiful plantations of Evergreen and Oak Alley would offer a glimpse into the movie's settings and provide a deep dive into Louisiana's rich history and culture. Whether you're a history buff, a nature lover, or a cinephile, visiting these film locations would be worthwhile.
Fun Fact
The names of Dr. Horn's previous patients are taken from characters in iconic horror movies. Perry Hobbes shares his surname with Detective Hobbes from "Fallen" (1998), Agnes Thorne is named in homage to Damien Thorn from "The Omen" (1976), and Lucius Woodhouse derives his moniker from Rosemary Woodhouse in "Rosemary's Baby" (1968).
Eli suffers from an allergy scene in Eli
New Orleans, Louisiana
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.
The road to the house scene in Eli
Oak Alley Plantation, 3645 LA-18, Vacherie, LA
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.
Horn starts the third treatment scene in Eli
Gothic Jail, 205 W 1st St, DeRidder, LA
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.
Conclusion
The filming locations for Eli offer a rich tapestry of settings deeply entrenched in the vibrant city of New Orleans, USA. The hauntingly atmospheric scenes were brought to life through the diverse landscapes and historic sites that serve as backdrops to this thrilling production.
The imposing and elegant Garden District mansions lent an air of mystery and sophistication to critical moments in the film, juxtaposed against the eerie ambiance of the city's swamps and bayous. The iconic French Quarter's cobblestone streets and unique architecture provided a striking contrast for intense and pivotal scenes.
Moreover, using renowned landmarks such as the St. Louis Cemetery and Lafayette Cemetery added an authentic and chilling depth to the storyline, tapping into the city's rich cultural and supernatural legacy.
New Orleans' distinct character and diverse locales seamlessly intertwined with the narrative of Eli, offering a visually captivating and immersive experience for audiences, showcasing the city's allure as a premier filming destination for tales of intrigue and suspense.