DAMSEL
Damsel (2024) is an epic fantasy adventure featuring Millie Bobby Brown as Princess Elodie. Betrayed by her new royal in-laws, Elodie is thrown into a dragon’s lair as a sacrifice, but the film quickly turns into a thrilling tale of survival and empowerment. With breathtaking visuals and an engaging plot, Damsel masterfully blends fairy-tale elements with dark twists, offering viewers an unexpected, action-packed journey. If you're a fan of stories like Game of Thrones and Narnia, this captivating film might be for you.
MOVIE
The Tipsy Critic
3/8/20244 min read



Damsel (2024)
Release Date: October 4, 2024
Director: George Miller
Starring: Anya Taylor-Joy, Chris Hemsworth, Tom Burke, Charlee Fraser, Lachy Hulme, Alyla Browne
On a quiet Friday night, I was flicking through Netflix when I stumbled upon Damsel. It wasn't the usual type of film I’d go for, but seeing Millie Bobby Brown in the lead had me intrigued, so I thought, "Why not?" I hit play, expecting a run-of-the-mill feminist flick, but I was pleasantly surprised when the movie captured my attention within the first few minutes.
Released on March 8, Damsel has quickly become one of my favorite female-led stories. The film delivers something more than just surface-level thrills. It's a dark fantasy with surprising depth, striking visuals, and an engaging twist on the classic fairy-tale narrative.
Plot Overview: A Sacrifice Gone Wrong
The story centers on Princess Elodie (Millie Bobby Brown), who embarks on a journey with her family to the kingdom of Aurea. There, she is set to marry Prince Henry (Nick Robinson) in a union meant to save her people from famine. But soon after arriving, Elodie finds herself betrayed by her new in-laws. Instead of the joyous marriage she expected, she is thrown into a pit as a sacrificial offering to a fearsome dragon.
What could have been a predictable "damsel in distress" tale quickly takes a more unique turn. Damsel focuses on Elodie’s transformation from a princess bound by duty to a fierce warrior who fights not only for her survival but also for her sister and her people. The movie is packed with epic battles, an evil queen, and, of course, a dragon, but these familiar elements are handled with a finesse that keeps the story fresh and engaging.
A New Kind of Heroine
What sets Damsel apart from other female-led narratives is its protagonist, Elodie. Rather than portraying her as the stereotypical rebellious princess who refuses marriage, the film introduces her as a character who genuinely cares about her kingdom. She accepts her arranged marriage to Prince Henry, even showing signs of affection for him, only to be completely blindsided by his betrayal. This twist allows for a refreshing take on the "warrior woman" trope—Elodie doesn't start off as a fighter, but she becomes one as the story progresses, which makes her journey all the more compelling.
Elodie’s character isn’t defined by modern feminist ideals, nor does she spout clichés about independence. Instead, her arc is about resilience, survival, and a deep love for her family, which gives her more emotional depth than your typical action heroine.
The Visual Appeal: A Feast for the Eyes
One of the film’s most striking aspects is its aesthetic. The grand ships, towering castles, and lush landscapes evoke a Game of Thrones level of grandeur. The world-building is rich, drawing viewers into a universe where fantasy and reality blend seamlessly.
The scenes that alternate between Elodie’s time trapped in the dragon’s lair and the royal family’s scheming back at the castle are masterfully executed. The visual contrast between the warmth of the castle and the cold, dark pit where Elodie fights for her life adds layers to the film’s atmosphere.
These visuals, combined with the powerful score, elevate Damsel beyond just another Netflix movie. It transports you into a world where fairy tales have real consequences, and princesses aren’t just waiting to be rescued.
The Dragon: Not Just a Monster
The dragon in Damsel isn’t your typical mindless, fire-breathing beast. Voiced by Shohreh Aghdashloo, the dragoness is revealed to be a grieving mother whose daughters were killed by the royal family. In retaliation, she demands a royal sacrifice each year, and Elodie becomes one of her latest victims.
The decision to give the dragoness depth and dialogue is a brilliant move. Rather than portraying her as a simple villain, the writers give her a tragic backstory that explains her fury and desire for revenge. It’s a refreshing twist on the dragon trope, challenging the audience’s initial assumptions about who the real villain is.
The dynamic between Elodie and the dragoness adds a layer of complexity to the story. The audience is forced to question where their empathy lies. Is the dragoness truly evil, or is the royal family more to blame for the chaos that unfolds?
The Villains: Not Who You Think
The film offers an interesting take on the "who’s the real villain" trope. While the dragoness is initially framed as the antagonist, the true darkness lies within the royal family. The queen (played by Angela Bassett) upholds the cruel sacrificial tradition, while Prince Henry proves to be nothing more than a puppet for his mother’s will.
One aspect that could have been explored further is the queen’s character. Although she plays a crucial role in maintaining the sacrificial system, her motivations aren’t fully fleshed out. More screen time devoted to her would have added additional weight to the plot’s darker elements.
Prince Henry, on the other hand, is a more layered character than expected. Rather than being the typical evil prince, he’s depicted as vulnerable and weak, manipulated by his mother. It’s a departure from the "knight in shining armor" trope that often plagues fantasy films, and it adds a level of intrigue to his betrayal of Elodie.
The Ending: A Game of Thrones-Style Finish
The movie’s climax, where Elodie confronts the dragon, leads to an unexpected turn of events. In a finale that echoes Game of Thrones, Elodie doesn’t just defeat the dragon—she forms an unlikely bond with it. Instead of continuing the cycle of violence, the two come to an understanding, and Elodie walks off into the sunset, dragon by her side.
It’s a bold choice for an ending and one that leaves room for a potential sequel. Elodie’s journey doesn’t end with her simply surviving; she’s now allied with a powerful creature, setting the stage for what could be an even more exciting adventure in the future. If Netflix chooses to expand this world, I wouldn’t be mad at all.
Final Thoughts: A Dark, Captivating Fantasy
Damsel is not without its clichés, but it executes them with such finesse that it doesn’t feel like a problem. The movie delivers a strong, visually stunning story, and Millie Bobby Brown’s performance is nothing short of excellent. Her portrayal of Elodie is grounded and real, and it’s a pleasure watching her character grow from a naïve princess to a warrior who fights for herself and her people.
While some critics have dismissed Damsel as predictable, I found it to be a refreshing take on the classic fantasy formula. It’s got dragons, battles, betrayal, and a heroine worth rooting for. In a genre that often recycles the same old tropes, Damsel manages to bring something new to the table, all while delivering a visually captivating experience.
My final rating? ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ (8/10).






