While conducting a pagan ritual in the woods with her friends, Kirsten inadvertently awakens the spirit of a demonic Christmas elf involved in a neo-Nazi plot to bring about the master race. After the rent-a-Santa in her department store is murdered, an unemployed, alcoholic ex-cop takes the job and the two set out to unravel the mystery.
Acting
Dan Haggerty's weary 'I need this paycheck' energy is transcendent.
Writing
Script somehow connects elves, Nazis, and incest. Bold choices only.
Practical Effects
The elf puppet looks like roadkill with a grudge.
Director
Jeffrey Mandel
Trivia, insights & behind the scenes
This was Dan Haggerty's first film after 'The Life and Times of Grizzly Adams.' He reportedly took the role because he wanted to play against type as a 'flawed, damaged man.' Mission accomplished.
Elves represents a bizarre micro-genre of 1980s horror that combined Christmas iconography with exploitation elements—part of the era's desperate attempt to make Santa scary after Silent Night, Deadly Night caused moral panic.
US
