REVIEW: ‘Damsel’ is a Thrilling Dark Fantasy Hit

Most of us have heard or read at least one fairy tale in our lifetimes. A typical fairy tale usually features some damsel in distress trope, where a noble prince saves the day. Well, Damsel is nothing like the age-old trope. Directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo and written by Dan Mazeau, Damsel is Netflix’s latest original action-adventure fantasy film. The film stars Millie Bobby Brown as Elodie, Ray Winstone as Lord Baylor, Angela Bassett as Lady Bayford, Robin Wright as Queen Isabelle, Nick Robinson as Prince Henry, and Shohreh Aghdashloo voices the dragon.

In Damsel, a dutiful young lady from a harsh and barren land agrees to marry a handsome prince, only to learn that everything is not what it seems. The truth is that the royal family has recruited her to be a sacrifice to repay an ancient debt. She must rely on her wits and will to survive in a cave with a vicious fire-breathing dragon.

Damsel twists and subverts the prototypical damsel in distress trope in the best ways possible. The film offers a refreshing take on fantasy tales as the would-be damsel, Elodie, steps into the role of the hero. Instead of being the stereotypical helpless princess waiting to be saved, Elodie takes matters into her own hands. Elodie’s path to heroism is paved in flames, blood, and tears as she fights to survive and escape her fate. Yet, entwined with her struggle is her evolution from an innocent maiden to an even more resilient young woman.

What truly makes Elodie work as a compelling character is that her resilience and resourcefulness were innate qualities, not just the result of her experience. The filmmakers skillfully portray various facets of her personality throughout the film, which lays the groundwork for her character. Despite her strong-willed, responsible, and mature demeanor, Elodie also experiences moments of vulnerability under the weight of her dire circumstances. These moments of vulnerability add depth to her character, authentically rounding out her character arc and making it even more compelling.

In terms of performance, the entire cast delivers flawlessly. Millie Bobby Brown’s impressive portrayal carries a significant weight, mainly as the film centers on her journey through the cave. Brown’s ability to command the scenes alone deserves much praise, and she executes it wonderfully. The film’s pacing and Brown’s cat-and-mouse exchanges with the dragon keep the story flowing and captivating. Aghdashloo’s mesmerizing voice brings the dragon to life. Her voice drips with various emotions and tones, particularly when she exudes menace and power.

Among the supporting cast, Angela Bassett and Robin Wright stand out. Bassett’s character as the stepmother flips the script on the traditional stepmother role. Instead, Bassett exudes a solid moral compass and love for her stepdaughters. On the other hand, Robin Wright, the original princess bride, delivers a compelling performance as the evil Queen Isabelle. Wright’s performance embodies the regality, cunning, and ruthlessness the role called for.

The film’s cinematography is breathtaking, capturing the essence of each setting with stunning precision. Every scene is visually captivating, from Elodie’s humble home to the majestic palace and the treacherous dragon’s lair. The attention to detail is not only in the film’s scenery but also in the wardrobe.

The costuming in this film, designed by Amanda Monk, who previously worked on Dungeons and Dragons: Honor Among Thieves, is impeccable. This is especially evident in how characters like Queen Isabelle and Elodie dress. The use of glittering and tarnished gold against dark colors with specific costumes is especially eye-catching in this film.

However, it is Elodie’s bridal attire that truly steals the show. Although gorgeous, Elodie’s bridal gown initially looks burdensome and restrictive, as if encased in a beautifully adorned cage. This symbolism reflects the role imposed upon her by her in-laws, trapping her as a beautiful royal offering to the beast. Yet, as time passes, she frees herself from the more constraining parts of the gown, reflecting her journey to survive and free herself.

As much as this film is a refreshing take on fairy tales, it also honors their origins. A clever aspect of the film’s narrative is how it embraces the original darker elements of fairy tales, reminiscent of stories originally written by the Brothers Grimm. While most contemporary media featuring princesses today often presents these stories in a lighter and fluffier manner, the filmmakers chose to go another direction with Damsel, which works tremendously well. Granted, Damsel is not the first fantasy film to take this approach; it stands out as an exceptionally executed example.

Damsel is a thrilling dark fantasy that far exceeds expectations. Amidst its gripping action and fantasy elements imbued with touches of horror lies a beautifully dark and transformative story. The film will keep your heart pounding with suspense and eyes glued to the screen with its gorgeous visuals. Accompanied by stellar performances and storytelling, this is a film well worth a watch or two.

Damsel premieres exclusively on Netflix now.