Juan Carlos Fresnadillo's "Damsel" immediately sets the tone with its opening narration: this is not your traditional tale of knights in shining armor. Instead, Millie Bobby Brown stars as a damsel who relies on her wit and fury to save herself, a refreshing concept that felt groundbreaking when first announced in 2020.
Set against a fairy-tale backdrop, "Damsel" weaves a story centuries old, involving valiant soldiers, a kingdom on the brink, and a malevolent dragon threatening their survival. The narrative unfolds with twists, turns, flashbacks, and visions, though marred by clunky dialogue. Yet, the action shines, with Brown delivering a strong performance.
Millie Bobby Brown portrays Elodie, the determined daughter of Lord Bayford (played by Ray Winstone), tasked with saving her faltering kingdom. From her introduction, chopping down trees to aid her suffering people, Elodie emerges as a leader of compassion and conviction, challenging those who dare to betray her.
The story takes a turn when a sinister figure, resembling an evil nun, proposes an escape to a land of wealth and marriage prospects. Elodie's rejection of this offer underlines the film's critique of traditional motives for marriage, although this thematic thread feels somewhat overlooked as the plot progresses.
Transported to the opulent kingdom of Aurea, Elodie and her family encounter a world far removed from their hardships, filled with gold and dragon lore. Yet, the allure of this new home quickly unravels, leading Elodie into a harrowing encounter with a dragon, voiced by Shohreh Aghdashloo, in a scene reminiscent of a fantastical survival tale.
Despite its moments of intrigue and revelation, "Damsel" struggles to fully explore its themes and characters, leaving audiences yearning for a deeper connection to its story. The film's PG-13 rating hints at its darker elements, suggesting it might not be suitable for younger viewers.
Fresnadillo's direction showcases his ability to craft a compelling fantasy world on a streaming budget, setting a potential precedent for his future projects, including a live-action "The Sword in the Stone" for Disney+. "Damsel" posits that women are more than capable of conquering dragons, both literal and metaphorical, inviting a reevaluation of the script to better celebrate the strength and complexity of its heroine.
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