Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer

Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer

Year: 2018

Runtime: 89 min

Language: English

Director: Jennifer Westcott

Echo Score: 36
AnimationFamily

When Santa’s reindeer unexpectedly retire, a determined young horse named Elliot and his best friend Hazel set off on a surprising quest to find replacements. Navigating the challenges of the North Pole tryouts, Hazel uncovers a threat that could jeopardize Christmas. Simultaneously, Elliot's friends back at the farm face danger, forcing him to choose between saving them and fulfilling his own ambition to save the holiday.

Warning: spoilers below!

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Timeline – Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer (2018)

Trace every key event in Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer (2018) with our detailed, chronological timeline. Perfect for unpacking nonlinear stories, spotting hidden connections, and understanding how each scene builds toward the film’s climax. Whether you're revisiting or decoding for the first time, this timeline gives you the full picture.

1

Introduction of the Whittick Petting Zoo

Elliot, a pony living at the struggling Whittick petting zoo in North Dakota, is introduced. Despite the challenges surrounding the zoo, Elliot dreams of flying with Santa's reindeer, supported by his best friend, Hazel the goat.

Whittick Petting Zoo, North Dakota
2

Santa's Reindeer Competition Announced

After the proud reindeer Blitzen leaves Santa's crew, Santa announces a competition to find a replacement. Walter Whittick, the zoo owner, sees this as an opportunity for his arrogant reindeer DJ to join Santa's team and possibly save the failing zoo.

North Pole
3

Ludzinka's Arrival

A businesswoman named Ludzinka arrives at the zoo, expressing interest in purchasing the animals. Elliot and Hazel overhear her conversation, realizing that her ultimate goal is to turn them into dehydrated food products, which worries them.

Whittick Petting Zoo, North Dakota
4

Stowing Away for a Ride

Determined to reach Santa, Elliot and Hazel stow away in Walter's hybrid sled car. Walter uses this vehicle to transport DJ and the horse Clyde to the North Pole, and Elliot hopes to get a chance to prove himself.

Whittick Petting Zoo, North Dakota
5

Elliot Signs Up for the Competition

Once they arrive at the North Pole, Hazel uses disguises to sign Elliot up for the competition. This daring move is motivated by their shared dream of flying with Santa and saving the zoo from Ludzinka's grip.

North Pole
6

First Round of the Competition

In the first round of the reindeer competition, Elliot manages to barely make the cut. His determination and spirit shine through as he competes against other hopefuls, showcasing his desire to fly and join Santa's crew.

North Pole Competition Grounds
7

The Totem Pole Challenge

The second round requires the reindeer to recover a cap from atop a totem pole. Elliot faces intense competition and pressure as he attempts to navigate the challenge, demonstrating his growth and resilience.

North Pole Competition Grounds
8

Corkie's Investigation

Meanwhile, a journalist named Corkie investigates the mysterious departures of reindeer from Santa's crew. His quest for the truth adds an element of urgency and tension as he uncovers unsettling information about the situation.

North Pole
9

Cover Blown

When DJ sees Hazel at the competition, he inadvertently blows their cover. This surprise twist puts Elliot and Hazel’s plans at risk, creating new challenges as they navigate the competition.

North Pole Competition Grounds
10

Discovery of the Culprits

Elliot and Hazel discover that Lemondrop and Jolene are behind the increased resignations of the reindeer. This revelation leads them to question the motives of other competitors and reinforces their determination to succeed.

North Pole
11

Return to the Zoo

After the competition, Elliot and Hazel return to the zoo only to find the animals have taken matters into their own hands. They find Ludzinka tied up, showcasing the unity and bravery of the zoo animals in the face of danger.

Whittick Petting Zoo, North Dakota
12

Santa's Invitation

In a moment of triumph, Santa invites Elliot to fly with his reindeer. This invitation not only fulfills Elliot's dream but also reinforces the bond of friendship and courage he shares with Hazel.

North Pole

Last Updated: December 31, 2024 at 18:09

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Stories in this thread typically follow a classic underdog arc. A small, often overlooked protagonist—usually an animal—discovers a problem only they can solve. They set off on a quest, facing challenges that test their courage and ingenuity, often with a loyal friend by their side. The narrative builds steadily towards a triumphant conclusion where their unique qualities save the day.

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The narrative pattern involves an external threat to a beloved holiday. An unlikely hero or group of heroes—often those who initially feel unprepared—steps up to confront this threat. The plot unfolds at a steady pace, mixing light peril with moments of holiday magic and humor, ultimately culminating in a successful rescue that reaffirms the true meaning of the season.

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Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer Summary

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Characters, Settings & Themes in Elliot: The Littlest Reindeer

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