Double Take: Elf and Get Santa

If you loved Elf, you’ll love this lesser-known Christmas classic.

This festive season we’re launching our ‘Double Take’ feature, which shines a light on films you might not know of, with similarities to familiar favourites you already love. To kick off the series we’re going seasonal, with two Christmas films that are full to the brim with festive spirit.

Love Elf? Then try Get Santa! Their Santas may differ, but their stories share some timeless themes, perfect for your next Christmas watch.

Elf (2003)

**What is the plot of Elf?**

One Christmas Eve a long time ago, a baby crawled into Santa's bag of toys... Raised as an elf, Buddy (Will Ferrell) grows into an adult three times larger than the biggest elf - and realizes that he will never truly fit in at the North Pole. Just in time for the holiday season, Buddy goes looking for his true place in the world - in New York City.

Buddy finds his workaholic father (James Caan) - who's on Santa's "naughty" list, a new mother (Mary Steenburgen) and a 10-year-old brother who doesn't believe in Santa Claus or elves. Buddy discovers his destiny - to save Christmas for New York and the world!

Watch the 10-minute preview here!

Why we love Elf

It’s become something of a cult Christmas classic, with humour that transcends generations. Just like Buddy intended, it brings Christmas cheer for all to hear! There’s something truly special about Christmas films set against the backdrop of New York City.

Will Ferrell is brilliant as the over-excited, wholesome and loveable Buddy. There’s even a romantic sub-plot with Zooey Deschanel (their beautiful harmonising of ‘Baby It’s Cold Outside’ gets us every time).

Get Santa (2014)

**What is the plot of Get Santa?**

Just days before Christmas, a herd of reindeer are found running amok on the streets of London. Meanwhile, nine-year-old Tom receives an early holiday surprise - in the form of Santa Claus (Jim Broadbent) taking shelter in the garden shed! Having crash-landed when testing out his new sleigh, Santa enlists Tom and his father Steve (Rafe Spall) to help him get home.

Having just been released from prison, all Steve wants is to spend time with his son again, but his plan is thwarted when Santa attempts to liberate his reindeer and is thrown into prison himself. Now, it's down to Tom and Steve to spring Santa from prison and save Christmas, as they reconnect with each other, in this heart-warming holiday adventure.

Watch the trailer now!

Why we love Get Santa

Another hilarious festive film, but this time it’s the Brit wit peppered throughout that has us in stitches. It stars some great British talent - Jim Broadbent, Rafe Spall, Warwick Davis, Jodie Whittaker and Stephen Graham - in an original tale about Santa. Eagle-eyed fans will spot that it’s a young Kit Connor starring as Tom, in his first film role.

**What is similar about Elf and Get Santa?**

They’re both charming festive films that the whole family can enjoy for the holiday season. They’re undoubtedly heartwarming; centred around the magic of Christmas, featuring fun Christmas-at-risk plots where beloved Christmassy characters are stuck in the real, human world – a world unlike anything they’re used to. Santa and Buddy alike are mistaken for troublemakers and accidentally get into all sorts of hilarious mischief.

Both films explore similar strained father-son dynamics, with Buddy the Elf and his father Walter having starkly contrasting views on Christmas. Whereas Steve and his son Tom in Get Santa try to rebuild their relationship, while working together to save Santa – and Christmas.

**What is different about Elf and Get Santa?**

As perfectly paired as these films are, they both have their unique highlights. Elf has an element of whimsical fun throughout, led by the iconic performance of Will Ferrell. Get Santa brilliantly balances the whimsy with a dry, witty British humour that packs a delightfully comedic tone.

Get Santa also features a Santa like no other, one that has been arrested and must navigate prison life and hopefully escape in time to save Christmas.

Although both titular characters are placed out of their usual environments, Elf is predominantly set in New York, with Buddy exploring the city that never sleeps and meeting some friendly and not-so-friendly New Yorkers along the way. On the other hand, Get Santa is set in London with Santa stuck in prison, relying on the help of Tom and Steve to pull off the ultimate Christmas escape.

Convinced yet? Fill your Christmas with the classic that is Elf and the British delight Get Santa!