Elf is refreshingly non-woke by modern standards. The story focuses on Buddy's journey and character quirks without pushing identity politics or prioritizing diversity checklists. Casting is traditional, with characters chosen for their fit and comedic ability rather than as ideological placeholders. The film's humor, charm, and character-driven plot remain blissfully untouched by today's forced representation trends.

The movie celebrates family, Christmas traditions, and childlike innocence. Masculinity and femininity are played for laughs but aren't subverted or mocked in a heavy-handed way. Religion, family, and traditional values are treated with warmth and sincerity, serving as the emotional anchor of the film. No cultural revisionism or snark toward classic values here, just good, clean fun.

The film avoids ideological preaching. There are no clear jabs at traditional perspectives or pandering to modern moral codes. Characters reflect a mix of personalities and worldviews, engaging sincerely without any one ideology being prioritized. Alternative views aren’t villainized; if anything, the film is a love letter to old-fashioned values and pluralism in the human experience.