Amazon Prime Video's new prequel series 'Elle' has shot to the number two spot on the platform's top 10 ranking, despite widespread skepticism and a lukewarm critical reception. The eight-part show, which explores the teenage years of the iconic Elle Woods before her Harvard law school journey, stars Kexi Minetree as the character made famous by Reese Witherspoon in the 2001 film 'Legally Blonde.'
Plot and Setting
Set in the 1990s, 'Elle' begins with the character living a glamorous life in Bel Air with her beloved rescue chihuahua Bruiser. Her world is upended when her parents announce a move to Seattle, where she enrolls at a high school ironically named Grunge High. The series leans into the fish-out-of-water dynamic as Elle's signature pink aesthetic clashes with the school's grunge culture, but her trademark optimism and can-do attitude soon come into play.
Mixed Critical Reception
Despite its rapid climb in viewership, 'Elle' has not garnered the same acclaim as the original film. On review aggregator Rotten Tomatoes, the series holds a 55% rating, indicating mixed or average reviews. The Telegraph's scathing critique stated: 'Nobody asked for a prequel to Legally Blonde, but now we have one because – ker-ching! – there is money to be made from rinsing the original.'
Fan Backlash
Even before the show's release, fans expressed doubts about the necessity of a prequel. On Reddit, user @BungeeGump argued: 'The prequel premise directly contradicts the original film. The point of the movie was that Elle left her bubble of comfort for the very first time by going to Harvard. The movie doesn’t make sense and loses all impact if Elle has left her bubble before.' Another user, @tsumtsumelle, speculated: 'It really seems like someone wanted to make a Seattle in the 90s show but were told it had to connect to an existing IP so they shoehorned Elle into it.'
Viewer Engagement
Despite the criticism, Amazon Prime subscribers have flocked to the series, propelling it to the second-most-watched title on the platform. The show's performance suggests a divide between critical opinion and audience appetite, with many viewers willing to overlook narrative inconsistencies for a nostalgic return to the Legally Blonde universe.
