In Damsel the classic damsel-in-distress gets a seriously fierce upgrade. Millie Bobby Brown stars as a princess who’d rather fight dragons than play the waiting game.
With a dash of humor and some thrilling action, Damsel turns the fairy tale trope on its head. But does it totally deliver? I dug in to find out.
Key Takeaways
- Damsel offers a playful twist on the classic damsel in distress archetype.
- Millie Bobby Brown delivers a spirited performance as a princess who defies expectations.
- The film balances exciting action sequences with a dash of self-aware humor.
- While thematically ambitious, the plot sometimes feels predictable.
Damsel is a lighthearted, action-packed subversion of the damsel in distress cliché. Millie Bobby Brown is delightful as the rebellious princess, and the film offers fun twists on familiar fairy tale tropes with a healthy dose of female empowerment. It’s predictable at times, but a perfect choice for fans of Millie Bobby Brown or those seeking an easy and entertaining watch.
Damsels Movie Review
| Category | Rating (out of 5) | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Acting | 4 | Millie Bobby Brown is fantastic as Elodie |
| Action Sequences | 3.5 | Dragon fight is thrilling, but could be more |
| Plot originality | 2.5 | Fun twist, but ultimately predictable |
| Themes | 3.5 | Strong female empowerment message |
| Special Effects | 3 | Decent dragon, but not groundbreaking |
| Overall Rating | 3 |
Cast and Crew
| Role | Name |
|---|---|
| Princess Elodie | Millie Bobby Brown |
| Prince Henry | Nick Robinson |
| Queen Isabelle | Robin Wright |
| Lady Bayford | Angela Bassett |
| (Dragon Hunter) | Ray Winstone |
| Director | Juan Carlos Fresnadillo |
| Writer(s) | Dan Mazeau |
| Composer | David Fleming |
Plot Summary
Princess Elodie of Aurea is less than thrilled about her impending marriage to Prince Henry. Rumors swirl about his kingdom’s unusual tradition: every few years, a young maiden is sacrificed to a ferocious fire-breathing dragon.
Despite her misgivings, the wedding proceeds. However, Elodie soon discovers that she is the intended sacrifice. Trapped in a cavern with the fearsome beast, Elodie must rely on her wits and unexpected fighting skills to survive.
Cast and Characters
Millie Bobby Brown as Princess Elodie
Millie Bobby Brown, who rose to fame as Eleven in “Stranger Things,” steps into the role of Elodie with her signature blend of pluck and vulnerability.
Brown infuses Elodie with a rebellious spirit – she’s a sheltered princess who’s ready to ditch the tiara and take charge of her own fate.
Whether she’s verbally sparring with her betrothed or facing down the dragon, Brown makes Elodie a force to be reckoned with.
Supporting Cast
The film boasts a roster of seasoned actors to back up Brown. Angela Bassett radiates queenly disapproval as Elodie’s mother, Queen Isabelle.
Robin Wright brings a cunning edge to Lady Bayford, Henry’s stepmother.
Nick Robinson is charmingly oblivious as Prince Henry, while Ray Winstone lends the story some gruff charisma as a seasoned dragon-hunter.
Visuals and Special Effects
The Look and Feel of Damsel
The film delivers a blend of classic fairy tale visuals and gritty realism. One moment, Elodie walks through lush palace gardens in flowing gowns; the next, she’s covered in soot, navigating the dragon’s cave.
This contrast enhances the central theme: Princesses might look pretty, but they’re also tough as nails.
Dragon Action
Let’s be honest, most of us were here for the dragon. Thankfully, the special effects don’t disappoint.
The creature feels sufficiently fearsome and the action sequences in the cave are tense and well-choreographed.
Those hoping for “Game of Thrones”-level dragon battles might be slightly underwhelmed, but the focus here is more on Elodie’s ingenuity than on massive spectacle.
Deconstructing the Fairy Tale
Subverting Expectations
Damsel gleefully turns the damsel in distress trope on its head. From the very beginning, we see that Elodie isn’t content to passively await rescue.
She questions arranged marriages, dreams of fighting alongside soldiers, and possesses a surprising level of combat prowess. The film subtly reminds us that strength comes in many forms.
Humor with Self-Awareness
Damsel knows that it’s playing with familiar fairy tale elements, and it injects humor to wink at the audience.
There are delightful moments of metacommentary, such as when Elodie sneers at needing a man to rescue her. This adds a layer of fun that prevents the movie from taking itself too seriously.
Themes and Motifs
Feminism and Female Empowerment
Let’s face it: Damsel has a feminist streak a mile wide. Elodie’s entire arc is about defying the expectations placed upon her due to her gender.
Yet, the film doesn’t demonize all men or paint every woman as inherently strong. Instead, it advocates for choice.
Elodie is most powerful when she grabs her destiny by the reins, regardless of what society thinks a princess should do.
Challenging Societal Norms
Beyond simple gender roles, Damsel subtly prods at other societal constructs.
The arranged marriage between Elodie and Henry highlights the stifling nature of traditions upheld for the sake of appearances.
The dragon itself could symbolize the oppressive forces and dangers women have faced throughout history, overcome not just through physical but through intelligence and perseverance.
my experience watching Damsel
Don’t get me wrong, I love a good damsel-in-distress trope as much as the next person. There’s a comforting nostalgia to it.
But, let’s be honest, it’s getting a bit old. Damsel felt like a breath of fresh air amidst the endless parade of helpless princesses.
Sure, it wasn’t perfect, but it made me think. And sometimes, that’s the best you can ask for from a movie with dragons in it.
Pros & Cons
Pros
Damsel has a lot going for it. Millie Bobby Brown’s performance anchors the film, and the supporting cast adds plenty of veteran star power.
The movie deftly blends old and new, poking fun at fairy tale tropes while still offering a crowd-pleasing action-adventure narrative.
And its feminist undercurrent feels timely and important.
Cons
While entertaining, Damsel occasionally stumbles. The plot could have been tighter, and some secondary characters feel woefully underdeveloped.
Thematically, it’s ambitious but doesn’t always dive deep enough. While it nods towards societal pressures, it could have pushed the envelope even further.
Is Damsel Worth Watching?
Who Will Enjoy It?
Damsel appeals to several audiences:
- Fans of Millie Bobby Brown will delight in seeing her take on a feisty heroine role.
- If you love fractured fairy tales (think “Shrek” or “Enchanted”), you’ll appreciate the film’s subversive humor.
- Anyone who’s craving a lighthearted adventure with a strong female lead.
Final Verdict
Honestly, Damsel was a mixed bag for me. I loved Millie Bobby Brown’s fierce princess and the whole “screw the rules” attitude.
The dragon fight was awesome! But, the story felt too predictable at times. Like, we’ve seen this before, just with a slightly rebellious twist.
Overall, it’s fun, but I wish they’d pushed the whole damsel-turned-warrior idea further.
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FAQs
Is Damsel scary?
The dragon can be pretty intimidating, especially for younger viewers. There are also a few jump scares and moments of peril.
Is Damsel suitable for children?
It depends on the child. The movie’s themes might be most appreciated by older children and teens.
Are there post-credits scenes in Damsel?
Stick around! There’s a mid-credits scene that hints at a possible sequel.
Is Damsel based on a book?
Currently, no. It seems like an original screenplay.
Is there a romance subplot in Damsel?
Thankfully, the film takes a refreshing turn by downplaying any forced romance.
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