Damsel (2024) Review – What Could Have Been So Much More
While Damsel has a lead and story that could have packed a punch, it avoids the sense of danger and triumph it could have, like Elodie does dragon’s breath.
[Unless Said Otherwise] Spoiler Alert: This summary and review contains spoilers.
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Plot Summary
In a fantasy world where dragons and kingdoms exist, Elodie is a princess of a kingdom on its last leg. Its placement up north, where famine has wiped out most of the crop, and there are barely enough trees to burn for heat, makes her and her family likely one of the poorest royal families around.
However, the Kingdom of Aurea gives them an opportunity, via marriage, to turn around their misfortune. However, the cost and sacrifice might be far more than the gold coins offered.
Character Guide
| Character’s Name | Actor’s Name |
| Elodie | Millie Bobby Brown |
Character Description(s)
Elodie
The princess of a nearly destitute kingdom, that may only be able to survive for another year without outside help, Elodie was well aware that her home was in trouble. Yet, despite that, she wanted to travel, see the world, fall in love, and learn. Now, whether she would ever return home after is anyone’s guess.
- The actor is also known for their role in “Enola Holmes.”
Review
Good If You Like
- Female badasses of both the villain and hero variety
Similar To This
- The Princess: Another Princess Fighting Back movie
- Catherine, Called Birdy: If you prefer just seeing a princess who has no interest in love and is someone different
Check out our movies page for our latest movie reviews and recommendations.
Highlight(s)
The Special Effects For The Dragon
Whether it is the magma fire breath or just seeing the dragon soar or move about the caves, the one indisputable highlight of “Damsel” is the dragon.
On The Fence
It Had The Potential To Do More
One of the most frustrating things about “Damsel” is that it could have been good. It has the cast, and when it comes to the story, it could have pushed them far enough for this to be more than the evil word actors hate: “content.” But, the problem is, it lacks the necessary thriller elements you’d expect from a girl trying to outrun or take on a dragon.
Yes, this is a fantasy, but it doesn’t delve deep into a sense of lore or history to build up Elodie’s Kingdom or the one she finds herself in. The Kingdom, who tricks her into sacrificing herself? Yes, Robin Wright may look formidable and give Charlize Theron vibes as an evil queen, but like Angela Basset as Elodie’s stepmother, she feels underutilized.
This makes it so, as wicked as Wright’s character should be seen, she isn’t given that oomph needed, so if a comeuppance were to come about (no spoilers here), it could truly be satisfying.
Background Information
| Director(s) | Juan Carlos Fresnadillo |
| Writer(s) | Dan Mazeau |
| Based On Work By | N/A |
| Date Released | March 8, 2024 |
| Where To Watch | Netflix |
| Genre(s) | Action |
| Film Length | 1 Hour 49 Minutes |
| Content Rating | Rated PG-13 |
| Content Information | Dialog: Nothing notable | Violence: Blood, Notable Fight Scenes | Sexual Content: Nothing notable | Miscellaneous: Depiction of Corpses |
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