Netflix’s “Damsel” embarks on a journey through a well-trodden path of fairytales, with Millie Bobby Brown leading the charge as Elodie, a princess navigating the perils of an arranged marriage and a formidable dragon. Despite its promising setup and the inclusion of celebrated talents such as Ray Winstone, Nick Robinson, and Angela Bassett, the film struggles to kindle a fresh spark within its traditional narrative confines.
A Tale Too Familiar
Set against the backdrop of a kingdom in distress, “Damsel” quickly moves from introducing its main premise—Princess Elodie’s strategic betrothal to Prince Henry by her father, Lord Bayford—to thrusting her into an unexpected battle for survival against a dragon. This transition from a fantasy drama to a survival thriller, however, fails to captivate, largely due to the predictability of its plot and an overreliance on conventional genre tropes.
A Struggle with Stereotypes
Writer Dan Mazeau endeavors to craft a story centered on a strong, independent heroine capable of standing her ground. Yet, the narrative is ensnared by stereotypes that stifle the voices of its female characters, with the notable exception of Queen Isabelle. Elodie’s journey, from a sacrificial pawn to a warrior, unfolds with scant exploration of her character beyond this archetypal transformation, leaving viewers yearning for a moment of genuine awe that never arrives.
Performances Amidst Shallow Waters
Millie Bobby Brown delivers a sincere performance as Princess Elodie, yet the lack of character depth prevents her from fully showcasing her talents. Known for her versatility, as seen in “Stranger Things” and “Enola Holmes,” Brown confirms her ability to adapt to various settings, albeit within the limitations of “Damsel’s” shallow narrative pool. Robin Wright and Angela Bassett, despite their proven acting prowess, are similarly constrained by the clichéd roles and underdeveloped storyline they are given.
Final Thoughts
“Damsel” ventures into the enchanted forest of fairytales with the hope of presenting a modern twist on classic narratives. However, it finds itself ensnared in the brambles of predictability and unchallenged stereotypes, rendering it a fairytale misfire. While the performances are commendable given the material, “Damsel” leaves much to be desired in its quest to slay dragons and dismantle age-old tropes.
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