In bygone eras, the mere existence of fantasy narratives was often considered transgressive. Even when these stories delved into medieval aesthetics, complete with its grim trappings, they still had the potential to feature formidable female characters who defied societal norms, battled dragons, and forged meaningful connections along the way. However, Netflix’s latest epic fantasy, “Damsel,” occupies a different space. While it doesn’t quite reach the heights of classics like “The Princess Bride,” it also strays from the mold of films like “Willow” or “Ladyhawke.” Instead, it seems to strive excessively to challenge the status quo, aiming to assert its distinctiveness from traditional female-centric narratives.
Is Netflix’s ‘Damsel’ worth watching?
Positioned as a dark fantasy, “Damsel” truly shines when it embraces its survival thriller elements, akin to “Ready or Not” but with dragons and intriguing twists. The story revolves around Elodie, portrayed by Millie Bobby Brown, who finds herself betrothed to Prince Henry (Nick Robinson) of Aurea, unbeknownst to her. Initially, their meeting seems fortuitous, as both yearn for freedom from their royal duties. However, Queen Isabelle (Robin Wright) harbors malevolent intentions, using Elodie to appease a dragon residing in the nearby mountains, to settle an ancient debt.
Visually, “Damsel” is a feast for the eyes, defying expectations for a streaming production. The depiction of the dragon, particularly as it prepares to unleash its fiery wrath upon Elodie, is mesmerizing. Additionally, the luminescent glow worms encountered in the cave add an enchanting allure to the scenery. However, while these visual elements excel, other aspects of the film, such as the kingdom itself, feel somewhat lacking in comparison. The film could have elevated its whimsical atmosphere to match the captivating allure of Elodie’s journey.
Despite its visual splendor, “Damsel” falters in its character development, particularly concerning Elodie. As she navigates the challenges within the cave, her isolation forces her to confront the ghosts of girls who came before her. Brown’s performance carries this segment, but the lack of dialogue and internal reflection hampers the cohesion of the narrative. Consequently, the final act feels disjointed, with pivotal character moments feeling rushed and unearned.
Moreover, the film’s deviation from the novel, upon which it is based, leads to a missed opportunity to explore deeper themes. In contrast to the book’s nuanced portrayal of Elodie’s relationship with the dragon and exploration of Asian cultural influences, the film opts for a more straightforward approach. This decision diminishes the impact of the story’s underlying themes, resulting in a narrative that fails to delve into the complexities of its source material.
Ultimately, while “Damsel” boasts visual splendor and thrilling survival elements, its shortcomings in character development and thematic exploration prevent it from reaching its full potential. Nevertheless, for those intrigued by the premise, the novel offers a deeper dive into Elodie’s journey and the intricate themes explored within.
