Millie Bobby Brown doesn’t need a Prince Charming in Netflix’s new film Damsel, an engaging fantasy adventure that reimagines classic medieval stories with a fresh twist.
The plot centers on Elodie, a young woman who agrees to marry a dashing prince from the distant kingdom of Aurea to save her people from famine. Upon her arrival with her father (Ray Winstone), stepmother (Angela Bassett), and sister (Brooke Carter), the contrast between the snowy peaks of her homeland and Aurea’s lush landscape is striking. Despite Prince Henry’s (Nick Robinson) charm, Elodie grapples with her new reality, particularly the cold demeanor of the Queen of Aurea (Robin Wright).
However, this is no ordinary fairytale — the royal family of Aurea has been bound by an ancient debt to a formidable dragon, resulting in the sacrifice of young women for generations. Elodie finds herself as the latest offering. “Damsel,” starring Millie Bobby Brown, offers a refreshing twist on traditional medieval tales with its story of a young woman who transforms from a bride-to-be into a resourceful action heroine.
This fresh take on the typical knight-rescues-princess narrative is a welcome change, even though Damsel still falls into some well-worn clichés.
There’s no classic romance or gallant savior, which is refreshing, but the film includes a one-dimensional villainess, a dragon with a sorrowful past, and an environmental message. While the story’s backbone feels like it’s padded out and could have drawn more inspiration from films like The Descent rather than resembling a chapter from The Hobbit: The Desolation of Smaug, the movie mostly manages to rise above these issues.
The film’s CGI landscapes, though sometimes looking cheap, might symbolize the falseness of the movie’s romantic elements, making the proposal as phony as the CGI scenery.
The film’s strength lies in its lead actress. Millie Bobby Brown, known for her diverse roles on Netflix, brings a compelling performance as Elodie, evolving from a naïve bride to a resourceful action hero within the film’s 100-minute run.
Underutilized Talent in Damsel : Angela Bassett and Robin Wright
Elodie is portrayed as a relatable character with survival skills rather than an overpowered warrior, making her journey more engaging.
Regrettably, Angela Bassett and Robin Wright, despite their talents, have minimal impact in their roles, and Nick Robinson’s character lacks depth and personality, becoming almost forgettable by the end.
Ultimately, Damsel is driven by Millie Bobby Brown’s performance, with the only other standout being Shohreh Aghdashloo (The Expanse), whose voice acting as the dragon brings a mix of menace and sorrow. However, the dragon’s role is diminished by not even being named, highlighting the film’s lack of regard for its most captivating character beyond its formidable appearance.
One notable feature of Damsel is its impressive costume design, especially Elodie’s wedding dress — an elaborate creation that symbolizes her entrapment. As the dress deteriorates in the dragon’s lair, it represents Elodie’s liberation from her arranged marriage and societal expectations. The connection between her survival, damaged attire, and makeshift haircut is striking.
At its heart, the film aims for a form of female empowerment, not just through Elodie’s personal journey but also by honoring the young women who came before her. This broad-strokes approach to feminism offers a basic yet satisfying narrative for a weekend watch.