Jason Schwartzman Thinks A Popular Holiday Tradition Is Really Creepy

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The holidays are filled with enjoyable – and occasionally a little strange – customs. From decorating trees and writing to Santa, to watching new Christmas films, there are countless ways to celebrate. One recent trend that I find particularly unsettling is the Elf on the Shelf. It’s even featured in the upcoming movie Oh.What.Fun, and the star, Jason Schwartzman, agrees with me that it’s a bit creepy.

The upcoming movie, Oh. What. Fun, will bring a dose of Elf on a Shelf magic to theaters in 2025. The film stars Jason Schwartzman and Felicity Jones as a couple whose lives are constantly monitored by Jones’ old Elf on a Shelf, Barnaby. Instead of staying put on a shelf, Barnaby shows up in surprising places and seems determined to keep a close watch on Schwartzman’s character.

I recently spoke with Schwartzman and had to ask him what he thought about the creepy side of Santa Claus and his elves. I was glad to hear he felt just as uneasy about being watched by them as I did.

The concept of Santa Claus always involved someone keeping track of your behavior – the idea that someone was always watching to see if you were good or bad.

The story makes sense! Schwartzman admitted he gets starstruck around famous actors, so he imagined a playful twist on the Santa Claus idea. Essentially, Santa is a mysterious figure in a red suit who keeps an eye on everyone. But instead of just watching from a distance, Schwartzman pictured Santa’s elves being inside people’s homes, appearing in surprising spots. He shared this idea with TopMob, saying…

Now, we’re also letting you know that someone is watching you closely. This observer is unwavering and will report back with detailed information, and it’s not a comfortable situation.

It’s possible elves aren’t naturally scary – maybe they just get that way from dealing with so many misbehaving children! I wouldn’t even be shocked if some of them let loose and partied with Buddy the Elf after the holidays are over. That being said, being watched all the time would be creepy for anyone. The elves might not have a say in it, though. Working for Santa is probably pretty demanding, and they could really use a union.

While Elf on the Shelf is just one element of the movie Oh.What.Fun, its slightly unsettling nature is played for laughs. I’m curious to know if others find these little elves as strange as I do! Luckily, you can soon see how Jason Schwartzman handles them in the film, which will be available to stream on Amazon Prime starting December 3rd.

Get a 30-day free trial of Amazon Prime Video! A Prime membership includes more than just streaming – you also get fast, free delivery, access to Prime Gaming and Reading, and exclusive deals. Enjoy a huge selection of movies and shows, including “Oh.What.Fun” with Michelle Pfeiffer and Jason Schwartzman, and plenty of new holiday favorites. After your trial, it’s $14.99 per month, or you can save 22% by paying $139 for a full year. See the deal here.

Look, I get the idea behind Elf on the Shelf – it’s meant to be charming. But honestly, as a film buff who appreciates a good story, the thought of those little elves secretly watching my family during the holidays? No thanks! I think I’d be with David Schwartzman on this one – our houses are definitely elf-free zones during the festive season.

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2025-12-03 02:08