It's 25 years since Reese Witherspoon burst onto the Hollywood scene with her iconic portrayal of Elle Woods in 'Legally Blonde', and now she's back, but this time behind the scenes as a producer on the new prequel series 'Elle'. This eight-episode romp on Prime Video takes us on a journey back to high school days, where we meet a 16-year-old Elle (played by Lexi Minetree) navigating her first steps in the grungy Seattle scene of the mid-90s. The story begins with a bit of a plot twist: after dad Wyatt's botched celebrity nose job causes a family scandal, they're forced to relocate from posh Bel Air to the unfamiliar world of Seattle.
The initial idea and Minetree's casting – which critics say captures Elle's signature blend of sass and sweetness – show promise. But sadly, 'Elle' struggles to recapture the magic of its cinematic predecessor. Reviewers argue that the script relies too heavily on tired high school comedy tropes like mean girls, love triangles, and social faux pas without adding enough fresh twists or memorable dialogue.
Visually, 'Elle' takes a different route than the original film's vibrant palette, opting instead for a dull, 90s grunge aesthetic – 'sludgy browns, greys, and camo-plaid combos' that's more depressing than delightful. While Tom Everett Scott and June Diane Raphael shine as the Woods family parents, the new teenage characters fall flat, with some critics even calling them 'humourlessly proto-woke'.
Despite its flaws, the optimism of Elle Woods and the strong performances from the adult cast make 'Elle' a passable watch. In an era where teen-led dramas are all the rage – think Greta Gerwig's 'Barbie' – this show attempts to tap into that nostalgia, hoping to win over both old fans and new viewers.