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The Elf
1996·Movie
·23min·
The Elf fingerprint
Big heart, low-key.
Energy
Calm and low-key
- Tension4
- Fast Pace4
- Spectacle4
Heart
Wholesome and moving
Much of it is about family and growing up.
- Family Dynamics9
- Wholesome8
- Pathos7
Humor
A little humor
Not a comedy at heart.
- Situational Comedy4
- Wit & Wordplay3
- Physical Comedy2
World
Family, everyday modern life, and growing up
- Dialogue Centrality7
- World Immersion6
- Rewatchability6
Craft
Solid, not remarkable
- Character Depth7
- Direction6
- Acting6
Style
Functional look and sound
- Cinematography6
- Editing6
- Music Composition6
All energy traits
- Tension4Edge-of-your-seat suspense and pressure.
- Fast Pace4Quick tempo and momentum.
- Spectacle4Scale and set-piece grandeur.
- Adrenaline3High-energy, pulse-pounding intensity.
- Scare2Frightening moments and scares.
- Violence2Physical conflict and intensity.
Related traits
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
Heart
HighWholesome and moving
Much of it is about family and growing up.
Emotionally, it's wholesome, moving, and hopeful. Much of it is about family and growing up.
All heart traits
- Family Dynamics9Relationships and generational ties.
- Wholesome8Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
- Pathos7Deeply moving, empathetic emotion.
- Hopefulness7Optimism and uplifting resolve.
- Nostalgia7Warmth of memory and retro vibes.
- Coming of Age7Personal growth and self-discovery.
- Romance6Love stories and emotional connections.
- Catharsis6Emotional release and payoff.
- Wonder6Awe, discovery, and amazement.
- Melancholy5Bittersweet, reflective sadness.
Related traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
All humor traits
- Situational Comedy4Humor from everyday scenarios and setups.
- Wit & Wordplay3Clever dialogue and verbal humor.
- Physical Comedy2Slapstick and visual gags.
- Cringe Humor2Awkward, uncomfortable laughs.
- Absurdist Humor1Surreal, nonsensical comedy.
- Satire & Parody1Sharp critique and playful imitation.
- Dark Humor1Humor from taboo or grim topics.
Related traits
- Wholesome8Heartwarming, uplifting feelings.
World
MediumFamily, everyday modern life, and growing up
Its world is built around family, everyday modern life, and growing up.
All world traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
- World Immersion6Depth and sensory richness of setting.
- Rewatchability6Invites repeat viewing.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
- Ambiguity4Open-endedness and uncertainty.
Related traits
- Contemporary Realism7Modern, grounded storytelling.
- Fantasy6Mythic worlds and magical systems.
- Psychological5Inner worlds and mind games.
- Spiritual5Faith, meaning, and transcendence.
Craft
MediumSolid, not remarkable
The craft is serviceable rather than remarkable.
All craft traits
- Character Depth7Rich, complex characterization.
- Direction6Vision and command behind the camera.
- Acting6Performance craft and presence.
- Narrative Structure6Story architecture and form.
- Dialogue Quality6Sharp writing and memorable lines.
- Intrigue5Curiosity and investigative pull.
- Complexity5Layered plots and ideas.
- Non-linear Narrative2Time-shifts and structure play.
- Meta Narrative1Stories about storytelling.
Related traits
- Slow Burn6Gradual build with payoff.
- Novelty5Fresh ideas and invention.
Style
MediumFunctional look and sound
The look and sound stay functional.
All style traits
- Cinematography6Visual composition and camera work.
- Editing6Pacing and structure through cuts.
- Music Composition6Score and musical identity.
- Music Centrality6Songs central to storytelling.
- Visual Stylization5Distinctive aesthetic signature.
- Sound Centrality4Sound design as core element.
Related traits
- Dialogue Centrality7Stories driven by conversation.
Who it's for
AdultsDate NightFamily Movie NightFriends NightIntergenerationalKidsPartner WatchPublic Viewing SafeSolo WatchTeensBackground WatchComfort WatchDrop-in FriendlyPure Escapism
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About
In this Christmas drama, a boy and his family discover he is an elf.
Christmas DramaFamily FilmMagical RealismComing-of-AgeHeartwarmingFantasy ElementsHoliday SpiritEmotional Journey
Actors
Crew
Directed by:
Written by:
Produced by:
Composed by:
Sequels and Prequels
No sequels or prequels available
Media
Questions about The Elf
Quick answers from GoodWatch data.
Is The Elf worth watching?
11
UnwatchableGoodWatch scoreReviews are weak, with a GoodWatch score of 11/100. The GoodWatch score combines critic and audience ratings.
How long is The Elf?
0 h 23 min
The Elf runs 0 h 23 min.
What language is The Elf in?
English
It was made in English. Produced in Canada.
What tropes does The Elf use?
Closed CircleMouth Stitched ShutOffscreen TeleportationShower SceneTwisted ChristmasDwindling PartyThe StonerMurderer P.O.V.Shout-OutScrew This, I'm Outta Here!Christmas CarolersLiving Toysand 6 more
TV Tropes lists 18 storytelling tropes for The Elf, including Closed Circle, Mouth Stitched Shut, Offscreen Teleportation.