Why We Could All Use a Little More 'Elle Woods'
We all know the stereotype of the 'misfit.' Chances are, you picture a quiet loner sitting in the corner of the classroom, dressed in dark clothes. What you probably don't picture is a blonde, hyper-social, pink-obsessed teen who lives for fashion and makeup. Yet, the new Prime Video series Elle (the prequel to Legally Blonde) proves that she can be the ultimate misfit.
In Elle, we follow a younger Elle Woods as she moves with her parents from sunny LA to rainy Seattle. Her junior year turns out completely different than she had hoped. While LA is all about glitz and glamour, the teenagers in Seattle are dead serious, down-to-earth, and politically conscious. Surrounded by raincoats and social debates, Elle sticks out like a sore thumb with her toxic optimism and designer outfits. She is immediately judged as a superficial, privileged girl who turns a blind eye to the 'real' problems in the world.
(Spoilers ahead, read at your own risk! <3)
When I watched the series, I instantly felt a connection. Just like Elle, I’ve been a massive fan of the more is more principle since I was a kid. The more color, the better. I used to mix the craziest fabrics and prints to create what was—in my eyes—the perfect outfit. And just like Elle, it made me stand out. I was a misfit, but a social one who loved chatting with everyone.
I was constantly told that I needed to live in 'reality.' I was expected to focus on the serious, grim things happening in the world: poverty, injustice, war. Of course, I know these horrors exist. But I also know I can't solve them all by myself. Awareness is important, but constantly dragging yourself down into a negative spiral doesn't make the world any better.
Who's the Crazy One Here?
If you look closely at the series, Elle is ironically the most 'normal' one. Sure, she is a bit naive, but she is social, she isn't afraid to show her true colors, and she genuinely tries to boost the school spirit. Her classmates, on the other hand? They are stuck in their own little cliques, wearing nothing but shades of gray, and talking about nothing but the world's misery. Is that supposed to be the standard for 'normal'?
Unfortunately, that heavy, overly serious attitude from her classmates is exactly what we see in the real world right now. Since its release, the series has faced quite a bit of backlash. Critics and viewers are complaining that the show is too 'bleak and superficial' and completely misses the mark for a teen drama. But honestly? I couldn't disagree more.
Of course, it’s not some heavy, deep psychological thriller, but it doesn't need to be. Elle is exactly what it's supposed to be: a delightful, lighthearted series that is perfect for winding down. Something doesn't have to be complicated to be good.
As far as I'm concerned, the conclusion is simple: the world is already heavy and serious enough. Let the critics talk, turn your brain off, and just give the show a chance. Throw on those bright colours, bring some positivity, and embrace your inner Elle Woods. Because of a little extra pink? We could all use it.
After all, as Elle Woods herself would say: "What, like it’s hard?" Embrace that positivity! What do you think? Could we use a little more colour, or are you Team Seattle? Let me know in the comments! Kisses!