“Damsel” (2024) is a new movie that came out on Netflix on March 8 and stars “Stranger Things” actress Millie Bobby Brown. This movie includes adventure, fantasy and action. Its run time is one hour and 49 minutes, and the rating is PG-13.
Summary
“Damsel” is a movie about a princess named Elodie (Brown) whose kingdom doesn’t have much money. A marriage is arranged for her and a prince named Henry (Nick Robinson). She does this as her duty is to take care of her people. In addition, Prince Henry lives in a wealthy kingdom. What Elodie doesn’t know is that she is going to become a sacrifice for the prince’s kingdom.
She fights for her life, but does Elodie survive? Why was she sacrificed in the first place?
Taking a closer look
The movie has beautiful scenery from the start. The colors are very vibrant and eye-catching. Some of the scenery includes lush greenery, mountains, a body of water and a castle. The movie starts back in time in the prince’s kingdom, and then the film picks up after many centuries in a different location. It takes place in several locations, but the main setting is in a cave within the prince’s kingdom. Once the scenes move to the cave setting, it is mainly dark and the opposite of the scenery at the beginning of the movie.
All of the actors did a great job. Specifically, the two actors that stood out the most were Brown and Angela Bassett. They made their characters seem believable and real. Brown and Bassett showed great emotion throughout the film and had great reactions; their acting was amazing. They made it seem like what was happening was real. This movie keeps the audience engaged and even makes viewers’ hearts beat a bit faster at times due to what is taking place.
Taking a look at Brown’s acting, she shines in both “Stranger Things” and “Damsel.” Both the show and this movie have action, and they are both on the serious side.
Furthermore, even though this is a serious movie, there are touching parts to it. Something that stood out was the bond between the sisters, Elodie and Floria. The audience can see that from the very beginning. Furthermore, Lady Bayford (Bassett) is Elodie’s and Floria’s (Brooke Carter) stepmother, and viewers see how deeply she cares for the girls.
Another point in its favor: the movie has a strong female lead who is determined and resourceful.
Cast and crew
Some of the other cast members in this movie include Ray Winstone, Robin Wright, Milo Twomey and Shohreh Aghdashloo. The director is Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, and the writer is Dan Mazeau. Another movie that Fresnadillo has directed is “28 Weeks Later” (2007). Mazeau was also one of the writers for “Wrath of the Titans” (2012).
Reviews
On Rotten Tomatoes, the critics rate this film at 56%, while audiences rate this film at 61%. IMDb rates “Damsel” at 6.1/10.
Everyone that I have talked to has enjoyed this movie. NCC student, Kayla Kramer, ’25, watched this movie with her sister shortly after it came out. Kramer enjoys movies that make her think, this movie being one of them. When talking about the plot, she described it as “interesting” and “thrilling.” Kramer loved the movie.
“I loved it because of the action, but mainly the plot twist,” said Kramer.
Her sister, who also enjoyed the movie, is typically a harsh critic when it comes to films. With this in mind, Kramer believes the ratings for “Damsel” should have been better.
“The acting was great, and the movie had a strong message of family love within Elodie’s family. It also made me think of my relationship with my little sister and how strong the bond is between sisters. My little sister loved the movie as well and was recommending it to my mom and her friends. She can be a harsh critic, so that definitely says something. Overall, I feel it deserved better ratings,” Kramer said.
In essence, “Damsel” is something moviegoers should watch. This is a unique story and isn’t a typical fairytale. Grab some popcorn and enjoy!
