Thomas Storai 
Millie Bobby Brown as Elodie in Damsel. Cr. John Wilson / Netflix © 2023
“Damsel is an intense and riveting survival film that subverts expectations. It puts a twist on the usual fairytale story. Millie Bobby Brown brilliantly carries the film.”
Damsel is a fantasy film directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo and written by Dan Mazeau. It stars Millie Bobby Brown (she is also an executive producer), Ray Winstone, Robin Wright, Nick Robinson and Angela Bassett. The film releases today on Netflix.
STORY
Right from the start, this film tells you are not going to witness the usual fairytale story. But, it all begins as a usual prince and princess story. Princess Elodie (Millie Bobby Brown) has to marry the handsome prince Henry (Nick Robinson) in order to save her people from starving in the Winter. However, from the moment she and her family arrive at the prince’s castle, there is an ominous atmosphere that foreshadows what’s to come. I find it clever that the film really takes its time to introduce the situation. You know something is off but you don’t know when it’s going to go wrong. Little by little, the atmosphere darkens and leads to the twist on the fairytale story. Indeed, the royal family has recruited her only as a sacrifice to repay an ancient debt to a dragon.
Elodie is thrown into the dragon’s cave and from that moment, the tone changes completely. This turns into a survival film. A survival film with a character having to fight a dragon isn’t something we often see. So, it’s a welcome one. It changes from the usual fantasy films. It plays with what we know but subverts our expectations. With this film, things are not what they seem to be. It’s exactly what the introduction tells us.
This is an intense and riveting survival film that will keep you on the edge of your seat as Elodie tries to survive against the dragon. Danger is everywhere. There is never a dull moment, it always keeps going with a high level of adrenaline. This is the definition of a popcorn film and since it releases on Netflix, you can enjoy it from the comfort of your home. It’s as entertaining as it gets and it’s a clever film.
CAST
Since it’s a survival story, the film heavily relies on its lead actress. Undoubtedly, Millie Bobby Brown carries the film with self-confidence. She nails the role and proves she is a great fit for action films. Even though she is the star of the film, there are two other actresses that are also for me the highlights of the film. It is Robin Wright and Angela Bassett. They play opposite characters. Robin Wright is excellent as the vile and arrogant Queen. She truly excels at playing villains. While Angela Bassett is just as good as the caring stepmother.
VISUALS
Furthermore, Damsel has striking visuals, I didn’t expect anything less with the talented cinematographer Larry Fong. Just like the story subverts our expectations, the designs do that as well. The royal family’s land is something that comes out of a fairytale story. It’s all beautiful and sumptuous, hiding the true nature of who this family really is. While the castle of Elodie’s family is more modest and in poor condition, but the people who live inside are actually good. It’s a matter of don’t judge a book by its cover. As for the dragon, this one has a nasty design perfect for a survival film. The CG is really impressive on this one!
VERDICT
Damsel is an intense and riveting survival film that subverts expectations. It puts a twist on the usual fairytale story. Millie Bobby Brown brilliantly carries the film. Robin Wright as the vile Queen and Angela Bassett as the caring stepmother are also two other highlights of this film. With striking visuals, you are in for a good time. It is an entertaining as it gets and it’s also a clever film.
Damsel releases today on Netflix.
Collectables and Anime Editor for Future Of The Force.
Star Wars expert and Japan connoisseur.
