The One and Only

The movie begins with Ivan, a silverback gorilla, addressing the audience about his role as the star attraction at the Big Top Mall circus. He performs with other animals like Stella the elephant, Snickers the poodle, and Frankie the seal, under the care of Mack. Ivan recounts his life in captivity and his bond with animals like Bob the stray dog.

Julia, Mack's friend's daughter, visits the circus and spends time with Ivan, sharing her drawings and giving him crayons. Ivan becomes interested in drawing, creating a picture he claims is of a beetle, which Julia recognizes, strengthening their bond. This marks a pivotal moment in Ivan’s interest in art and connection with Julia.

Mack introduces a new animal, Ruby, a young elephant who quickly becomes a star performer. The animals and audience respond warmly to her, leading to a boost in the circus business. Ivan initially feels uneasy about the new elephant's prominence.

Stella injures her leg, which worsens over time, rendering her unable to perform. As her health declines, she asks Ivan to look after Ruby and promises to find a way to free her from captivity. Stella's passing marks a profound moment of loss for Ivan and the other animals.

Following Stella's death, Mack becomes increasingly harsh, pushing Ruby to be more aggressive in her act. His behavior causes tension among the animals, especially as Ivan begins to growl in protest against Mack's actions. Ruby eventually performs well after encouragement from Ivan and Stella.

Ivan draws a picture of a key, intending to free Ruby from her cage, and shares his plan with Bob. Julia discovers Ivan’s drawings and proposes showcasing his art to save him, leading to a plan for Ivan to be recognized as a talented artist and potentially escape his captivity.

Mack attempts to showcase Ivan as a talented artist, selling tickets for his drawing exhibition. However, Ivan refuses to perform, humiliating Mack and failing to impress the audience, highlighting Ivan’s resistance to being exploited solely as an attraction.

That night, Ivan enlists Bob to help execute his escape plan by tricking a security guard into giving them keys. The animals, led by Ivan, then escape the mall and head toward the presumed wilderness, only to realize they are in their town, not the wild.

After the escape, Mack finds the animals and fires the guard. The animals are recaptured and returned to their enclosures. Ivan reflects on his past and his family as he recounts childhood memories and the loss of his father and sister, Ruby reassures Ivan about his memories.

Julia offers Ivan finger paints, reviving his childhood memories of drawing in mud. Ivan paints a vibrant mural of his homeland on the glass, which becomes a symbol of hope and a catalyst for public protests for his and Ruby’s freedom.

Public outcry over Ivan’s art leads to the circus closing, and the animals are released to better habitats. Ivan shares a heartfelt farewell with Mack, promising to keep his memory, and is transported to a wildlife facility where he reunites with other gorillas and Ruby.

Ivan is shown thriving in the wild with other gorillas, expressing relief and happiness as he looks toward the sky, affirming that he and Ruby are finally free. The film ends with a tribute to the real Ivan, highlighting his story of rescue and liberation.

Mid-Credits Scene: Julia, George, Bob, and Mack visit Ivan in his new habitat, symbolizing ongoing friendship and the impact of the events. This scene emphasizes hope and continuity beyond the film’s main story.

Post-Credits Scene: Baby Ivan is seen chasing a beetle and getting tackled by Tag, Ivan's brother. This humorous scene hints at Ivan’s childhood and the ongoing adventures of his young family.