Director: Juan Carlos Fresnadillo
Writer: Dan Mazeau
Stars: Millie Bobby Brown, Ray Winstone, Angela Bassett
Forget everything you think you know about princesses. "Damsel" throws the tired trope out the window and sets a new one ablaze. Millie Bobby Brown ditches the Eleven wig for a crown, but this princess is no wallflower. She's a firecracker trapped in a wedding dress, and the only damsel in distress is the one the dragon fancies for lunch.
The film starts with a bang, literally. The elaborate wedding ceremony feels less like a joyous union and more like a gilded cage. Then, with a rug-pull worthy of M. Night Shyamalan, the prince reveals his less-than-charming intentions. Our heroine, Princess Elodie, is flung into a dragon's lair, not as a helpless victim, but as a formidable opponent.
Yes, there's a dragon. And voiced by the legendary Shohreh Aghdashloo, no less. This isn't your standard fire-breathing beast. Think Smaug with a side of existential dread. The dynamic between Elodie and the dragon is the heart of the film. It's a cat-and-mouse game played out in a stunning cavern world, filled with equal parts danger and dark beauty.
The special effects are a mixed bag. At times, the CGI feels straight out of a B-movie. But then, a breathtaking vista of glowing crystals or a meticulously detailed cavern wall reminds you this is a film that aimed high, even if it didn't always hit the bullseye.
"Damsel" isn't perfect. The plot can meander at times, and the supporting characters, while well-acted (particularly Nicholas Galitzine as the hilariously clueless Prince), pale in comparison to Brown's powerhouse performance. But Brown is electric. She imbues Elodie with a fierce wit and a vulnerability that makes you root for her every perilous step.
This is a fairytale for a new generation. It celebrates female strength without resorting to clichés. It's funny, thrilling, and occasionally frustrating, but never boring. So, ditch the glass slippers and grab your metaphorical sword. "Damsel" is an adventure waiting to be devoured.
Tags:
Adventure