The Prime Video series “Elle,” a prequel to the 2001 film “Legally Blonde,” has defied expectations with its energetic and enjoyable execution. The show, which premiered July 1, explores the high school years of Elle Woods, a character originally portrayed by Reese Witherspoon.
Reese Witherspoon serves as an executive producer on the series, which features newcomer Lexi Minetree in the titular role. Minetree, 25, captures the essence of the younger Elle Woods, emulating Witherspoon’s distinctive mannerisms and facial expressions. The series is set in 1995 and follows a 16-year-old Elle as her life takes an unexpected turn.
A Move to Seattle
Initially living a charmed life in Los Angeles with her affluent parents, Elle’s world shifts when her father, a plastic surgeon named Wyatt (Tom Everett Scott), becomes involved in a work-related scandal. This forces the family to relocate to Seattle. The contrast between Elle’s vibrant, pink-centric Los Angeles lifestyle and the grunge-influenced, socially conscious atmosphere of her new Seattle high school sets the stage for the series. Her peers in Seattle, drawn to bands like Pearl Jam and Nirvana, initially view Elle’s bubbly personality and fashion choices as materialistic.
The show leans into the period setting with a soundtrack featuring artists such as Soundgarden, The Cranberries, Radiohead, and Queen, with the theme song being Garbage’s 1995 track “Only Happy When It Rains.” References to contemporary elements like zines, pagers, and Blockbuster Video, along with nods to local economic influences like “Microsoft money,” further immerse the viewer in the mid-90s.
Success Through Underdog Status
“Elle” succeeds by understanding and replicating the core elements that made the original “Legally Blonde” a hit: Elle’s strength as an underdog navigating unfamiliar territory. The premise of Elle, a character so associated with California, living in Seattle is intentional, highlighting her role as an outsider who must prove herself.
The series also acknowledges the importance of Elle’s evolving relationships, including her dynamic with Vivian (Selma Blair in the original film). While the show includes typical high school tropes, characters like Kimberly (Chandler Kinney), initially presented as a rival, are given more depth, mirroring the way Vivian’s character developed in the movie.
James Van Der Beek appears in what is noted as a potential final screen role, portraying a local mayoral candidate who befriends Elle’s mother, Eva (June Diane Raphael).
Potential Pitfalls
Despite its strengths, the series faces certain challenges. The established future of Elle ending up with Emmett (Luke Wilson) in the original film diminishes the dramatic tension in any romantic subplots. Additionally, the show features frequent product placement, particularly for Cosmo magazine, which at times feels intrusive.
One scene includes a “The Breakfast Club” homage that, while intended to be fun, becomes overly explicit when characters directly reference the film's plot. However, these flaws do not overshadow the series' overall effectiveness.
Ultimately, “Elle” manages to be a surprisingly enjoyable prequel, capturing the spirit of the original “Legally Blonde” without tarnishing its legacy. The series premiered on Prime Video on July 1.