THE ELFKINS (PG)
A GOOD heart and a generous spirit bake the difference in director Ute von Munchow-pohl’s computer-animated odyssey, inspired by the cautionary tale of the Heinzelmannchen (elves) of Cologne.
Dubbed rather than subtitled for young audiences on this side of the English Channel, The Elfkins appropriates a couple of key ingredients from Pixar’s Oscar-winning 2007 comedy Ratatouille to unite two worlds in pursuit of a perfectly flaky tart and moreish macaron.
For centuries, residents of Cologne have been raised on bedtime stories of benevolent gnome-like creatures, who visit the city at night and lovingly carry out repairs.
The legend is true. Elfkins live below ground in the sewers in a quaint village hidden from prying eyes.
Elders Brimur (voiced by Matthew Burton) and Vendla (Suzanne Ritter) encourage members of the tribe to nurture a craft while instilling a fear of hulking humans.
Spirited outcast Elfie (Rivka Rothstein) has yet to discover her artisan calling, so she ventures above ground to meet a human, who can teach her a craft.
Two fellow Elfkins, Buck (Valentin Beinhold) and Kipp (Liam Mockridge), follow her and they encounter kindly baker Theo (Erik Hansen), whose business is about to be bulldozed by his jealous brother Bruno (Steve Jacob). Elfie pledges to save the ailing enterprise if Theo will teach her to bake with brio.
An unlikely union is forged and customers flock to sample Theo’s cream spires.
The Elfkins rises under the gentle heat of Munchow-pohl’s direction, which prioritises whirling spectacle over heartfelt emotion.