'Damsel' Review: Millie Bobby Brown shines in Netflix's reimagined fairy tale
LONDON, ENGLAND: Released on Netflix in celebration of International Women's Day, 'Damsel' presents a heartwarming narrative featuring a determined female lead who defies orthodox norms to seize control of her destiny.
Set against the backdrop of a traditional setting where young girls await their fairy-tale endings, the story takes a surprising twist when an arranged marriage turns out to be a sham.
Netflix film 'Damsel' isn't your ordinary fairy tale
Lord Bayford (Ray Winstone) reluctantly offers his daughter, Elodie (Millie Bobby Brown) as a bride to the prince of a vast kingdom, in return for gold that would bring prosperity to his land. Despite her reservations, Elodie agrees to the union for the sake of her people.
Soon after the wedding, Elodie finds herself in a dangerous situation as she uncovers a shocking betrayal by Prince Henry (Nick Robinson) and his family. As a sacrifice to repay an ancient debt, she is pushed into the deep cave that houses a dragon.
Directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, 'Damsel' boldly challenges traditional gender roles as Elodie refuses to succumb to her fate and embarks on a journey to rescue herself.
Transformed into an unexpected action hero, she ingeniously utilizes her wedding gown and other resources she finds in the cave to outsmart the dragon.
This reimagined fairy tale diverges from the conventional narrative and emphasizes that a damsel requires no prince charming to rescue her.
'Damsel' soars high on female talent
Notably, both the hero and antagonist roles are portrayed by women, with Robin Wright as the formidable Queen Isabelle and Shohreh Aghdashloo lending depth to the dragon's character through her voice.
For Millie Bobby Brown, renowned for her role in 'Stranger Things', 'Damsel' turns out to be a significant evolution in her career.
Building on her success in the 'Enola Holmes' series, Brown delivers a captivating performance, showcasing her versatility as an actress.
Supported by a talented cast including Angela Bassett and Ray Winstone, the film enthralls audiences with its gripping storyline and exhilarating action sequences.
Despite its adrenaline-pumping moments, the true essence of 'Damsel' lies in its message of female resilience and strength. With its fresh perspective and emphasis on self-reliance, it offers a refreshing take on a timeless tale, making it a compelling watch for audiences of all ages.
'Damsel' is now available to stream on Netflix