Elves

Elves

Year: 1989

Runtime: 89 mins

Language: English

Director: Jeffrey Mandel

HorrorHorror the undead and monster classicsChilling experiments and classic monster horrorGothic and eerie haunting horrorShow All…

While conducting a pagan ritual in the woods with friends, Kirsten unintentionally summons the spirit of a demonic Christmas elf linked to a neo‑Nazi plot for a master race. After the rent‑a‑Santa in her department store is murdered, an alcoholic ex‑cop takes the job, and together they pursue the dark mystery, exposing deeper sinister forces.

Warning: spoilers below!

Haven’t seen Elves yet? This summary contains major spoilers. Bookmark the page, watch the movie, and come back for the full breakdown. If you're ready, scroll on and relive the story!

Timeline & Setting – Elves (1989)

Explore the full timeline and setting of Elves (1989). Follow every major event in chronological order and see how the environment shapes the story, characters, and dramatic tension.

Time period

Modern day

The events occur in the present day, during the Christmas season. The department store, college, and homes are all contemporary settings that ground the supernatural and political menace in a recognizable world. The modern era heightens the sense that extremist plots can unfold in familiar, everyday places.

Location

Local department store, Woods, Kirsten's home, College library, Professor O'Conner's home

The story unfolds across a small town anchored by a busy department store during the Christmas season, with the woods nearby as a bleak counterpoint. Other key locations include Kirsten's home where the family dynamics simmer, and the college library where crucial clues are uncovered. The contrast between consumer spaces and intimate domestic spaces emphasizes how ordinary life hides extraordinary danger. The setting blends everyday Christmas cheer with a waiting nightmare.

❄️ Christmas setting 🏬 Department store 🌲 Forest 📚 College library 🏡 Private residence

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:37

Main Characters – Elves (1989)

Meet the key characters of Elves (1989), with detailed profiles, motivations, and roles in the plot. Understand their emotional journeys and what they reveal about the film’s deeper themes.

Kirsten (Julie Austin)

A teenage girl who navigates a Christmas season soaked in irony and danger. She is central to the plot, linked to the arc of extreme beliefs as a last-known pure Aryan figure, yet largely unaware of the deadly machinations around her. Her resilience grows as she teams with Mike to unravel the conspiracy.

🎯 Protagonist 🧭 Naive

Mike McGavin (Dan Haggerty)

An ex-cop and recovering alcoholic who becomes the department store Santa after the previous Santa is killed. He is rough around the edges but protective, using street-smarts to navigate danger. His alliance with Kirsten drives the investigation and the fight against the Nazi plot.

🧭 Antihero 🎯 Protector

Kirsten's Grandfather (Borah Silver)

A former Nazi who has become reformed, carrying the weight of his past and his daughter's generation. He is a complex figure whose influence threads through Kirsten's fate and the inbreeding premise, ultimately seeking to mend the harm he once helped cause.

🧭 Complex 🗝️ Parent/Guardian

Elf

An ancient demonic Christmas elf awakened by Kirsten's blood, serving as the central catalyst for the master race plot. The elf embodies a blend of folklore and menace, pursuing the 'perfect' lineage through violent means. Its defeat hinges on ritual and courage.

🎭 Antagonist 🧩 Supernatural

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:37

Major Themes – Elves (1989)

Explore the central themes of Elves (1989), from psychological, social, and emotional dimensions to philosophical messages. Understand what the film is really saying beneath the surface.

🪖 Extremism

The film centers on a neo-Nazi conspiracy that weaponizes myth and lineage to justify domination. It shows how extremist ideologies manipulate fear and identity, turning historical trauma into a living threat. Characters are drawn into a dangerous game where belief is weaponized and moral lines blur.

🧭 Myth vs Reality

A demonic Christmas elf and an elfstone mingle with real-world politics, creating a tension between folklore and tangible danger. The story uses pagan ritual as a cover for a modern political scheme, inviting characters to discern myth from manipulation. The clash forces the protagonists to confront what is true and what is myth.

🕊️ Redemption

Kirsten's grandfather is revealed as a reformed former Nazi, offering a counterpoint to the dark plot. The relationship between past sins and present loyalties drives character choices and sacrifice. Redemption here is messy and personal, shaping the fight to protect Kirsten and dismantle the scheme.

Last Updated: October 04, 2025 at 13:37

Mobile App Preview

Coming soon on iOS and Android

The Plot Explained Mobile App

From blockbusters to hidden gems — dive into movie stories anytime, anywhere. Save your favorites, discover plots faster, and never miss a twist again.

Sign up to be the first to know when we launch. Your email stays private — always.

Unlock the Full Story of Elves

Don't stop at just watching — explore Elves in full detail. From the complete plot summary and scene-by-scene timeline to character breakdowns, thematic analysis, and a deep dive into the ending — every page helps you truly understand what Elves is all about. Plus, discover what's next after the movie.

Elves Summary

Read a complete plot summary of Elves, including all key story points, character arcs, and turning points. This in-depth recap is ideal for understanding the narrative structure or reviewing what happened in the movie.

Elves Summary

Elves Timeline

Track the full timeline of Elves with every major event arranged chronologically. Perfect for decoding non-linear storytelling, flashbacks, or parallel narratives with a clear scene-by-scene breakdown.

Elves Timeline

More About Elves

Visit What's After the Movie to explore more about Elves: box office results, cast and crew info, production details, post-credit scenes, and external links — all in one place for movie fans and researchers.

More About Elves