Note: The following contains major spoilers for Paramount+’s Dear Santa, including sensitive themes related to child death.
In the festive family film Dear Santa, Jack Black portrays a character endowed with the ability to grant wishes. While the film’s premise introduces straightforward logic about wishes, there are intricacies in how Black’s character can manipulate this power. Overall, this holiday adventure offers lighthearted entertainment peppered with intriguing lore, which keeps audiences captivated by its engaging characters. The conclusion of Dear Santa defies expectations, reflecting a significant wish rule yet retaining a heartwarming essence.
The narrative centers on Liam Turner, played by Robert Timothy Smith, who mistakenly sends a letter to Satan instead of Santa, a mix-up stemming from his dyslexia. This twist introduces Jack Black’s character, Asmodeus, who, while masquerading as a benevolent figure, reveals his identity as a demon. This portrayal intriguingly ties back to real-world religious contexts, layering the story with additional complexity. However, the origin of his wish-granting abilities is derived from a different source entirely.
Demons and Their Wish-Giving Powers in Dear Santa
A Nod to Aladdin: The Genie Comparison
Asmodeus informs Liam that he is allowed to make three wishes, echoing the classic genie framework seen in folklore. Interestingly, Black’s character hints that the concept of three wishes might have originated from demons, suggesting that genies might exist within the background lore of Dear Santa. Although this notion remains unproven, it enriches the understanding of the film’s universe.
However, there are limits to Asmodeus’s powers. He explicitly cannot alter history, which presents a notable inconsistency since he resurrects Liam’s younger brother towards the end of the film. This contradiction either points to a significant flaw in the film’s framework or indicates that Asmodeus is restricted from rewriting history rather than simply incapable of doing so. Regardless, this moment diverges from the broader theme of character growth through experiencing and overcoming pain.
Manipulative Wishes: Asmodeus’s Plan for Liam
The Catch Behind Each Wish
Despite posing as Santa, Asmodeus’s intentions are far from altruistic. He seeks to encourage Liam to make selfish wishes, which aligns perfectly with his demon nature. As the story unfolds, the demon nudges Liam towards self-serving desires. However, not all of Liam’s wishes abide by this path, as his genuine character influences the outcome.
Asmodues is in a rush, driven by the potential reward of finally becoming a complete demon and reclaiming Liam’s soul for his master, played by Ben Stiller. Surprisingly, even though only one wish is rooted in selfishness, Asmodeus becomes frustrated, branding Liam as “incorruptible,”despite forming an unexpected bond with him.
Exploring Liam’s Wishes in Dear Santa
The Technicality of Four Wishes
Initially, Liam approaches his wishes cautiously, uncertain of their implications. His first wish is for his school crush, Emma, to consider dating him, leading to a date that includes a cameo from Post Malone. Although their night is enjoyable, Liam’s dreams of a relationship don’t materialize due to subsequent developments in the storyline. Nonetheless, this experience lays the groundwork for his second wish.
Liam’s second wish involves improving the dental situation of his friend Gibby, who has become self-conscious due to a bad experience. Interestingly, this wish is granted offscreen, leaving Gibby puzzled about its origins. Ultimately, as Liam’s journey continues, he finds himself resisting his third wish, wary of the cost to his soul.
Summary of Liam’s Wishes
- Accidental wish for Emma: “I do kinda wish [Emma would] give me a chance.”
- Fixing Gibby’s teeth: Made offscreen.
- Liam’s final wish regarding his parents’ relationship, rendered “null and void.”
- Revival of Spencer: Granted as per Liam’s initial letter to Santa.
Liam’s family struggles stem from the grief over his brother Spencer’s death, ultimately fueling his desire to use his final wish to keep his parents together. However, because they had already decided that they needed each other, this wish is deemed “null and void,”highlighting the futility of his efforts.
Asmodeus learns of the failure of Liam’s wish regarding his parents during a debrief in Hell. With a limited time to complete his mission, he chooses to resurrect Spencer, following Liam’s original request. Yet, this act raises questions about the established wish rules, as it contradicts Asmodeus’s earlier limitations on changing history.
Beyond Wishes: Asmodeus’s Powers in Action
Manipulating Beyond the Wishes
While the wishes concerning Gibby’s teeth and Spencer’s return bring immediate consequences, Liam’s initial wish involves more than just a magic snap. His desire for Emma to give him a chance is nuanced; Asmodeus subtly influences the circumstances leading to their date, enhancing the possibility for a romantic connection without outright altering Emma’s emotions. This clever manipulation aligns with Asmodeus’s character, maintaining a balance between influence and autonomy.
The implications of Asmodeus’s magic extend to the memories of the characters impacted by these wishes. However, the portrayal of this phenomenon is inconsistent. For example, Post Malone, under Asmodeus’s spell during the concert, is rendered unaware of the events. Similarly, once Spencer is resurrected, Liam’s parents display no recollection of his death, contrasting with Liam’s clear memory of his brother’s passing. Conversely, characters like Gibby and Emma retain full awareness of their experiences associated with the wishes.
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