“Elf”: Sleigh or Neigh?

Kyle: “Elf” Sleighs Betty: “Elf” is a Neigh

“Elf” is more than a lighthearted family farce—it is a gorgeous postmodern storytelling experience that promotes optimism while grounding itself in our imperfect world.

The film follows Buddy, a human raised as an elf, as he travels to New York City to meet his biological father, a cold workaholic. At its core, “Elf” is a fish-out-of-water story a la “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” a plot far from innovative. However, screenwriter David Berenbaum utilizes its familiarity to explore identity and the contrast between relationships with chosen and biological family.

Buddy is brilliantly portrayed by Will Ferrell, who takes his goofy man-child screen persona and heightens the innocence, making him more lovable. According to Slash Film, director Jon Favreau initially rejected a raunchier script for the film. Ferrell has often tried to balance his outrageous humor with heart, but I’d argue that his enthusiastic yet harmless naivete as Buddy makes “Elf” his most successful attempt.

Berenbaum’s zany script is partially intended as a spoof of and homage to prior holiday films, acknowledging that constant cheerfulness is both unrealistic and unhealthy. I understand why the film receives criticism if it is viewed on the surface level since much of the humor is admittedly quite repulsive. However, the gentle satire allows Berenbaum to advocate for optimism without relying on campy sentimentality.

Although this may seem heady on paper, he and Favreau execute the concept seamlessly, engaging viewers of all ages with charm and warmth. Thus, “Elf” is a rare Christmas comedy that manages to capture sincere positivity.