Damsel (2024)

Damsel (2024), directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo, is a dark fantasy adventure film starring Millie Bobby Brown as Elodie, a young woman who accepts a marriage proposal from Prince Henry (Nick Robinson) to aid her impoverished family. Unbeknownst to her, the royal family intends to sacrifice her to a dragon to settle an ancient debt. The narrative follows Elodie's struggle for survival and empowerment as she confronts the dragon and challenges the treacherous royal family.

The film has received mixed reviews. On Rotten Tomatoes, it holds a 56% approval rating based on 127 reviews, with an average rating of 5.8/10. The consensus notes that while the film offers some engaging moments, it doesn't fully capitalize on its potential. Audience reception mirrors this sentiment, with a 59% approval rating from over 2,500 ratings.Damsel attempts to subvert traditional "damsel in distress" tropes by portraying Elodie as a proactive and resourceful protagonist. Millie Bobby Brown's performance has been highlighted for bringing depth to Elodie's character. However, some critics feel that the film's execution lacks originality and depth. For instance, a review from Talking Films mentions that the movie suffers from conventionality and doesn't significantly explore its characters or themes.

The film's visual effects and cinematography have been praised, particularly in depicting the dragon and the dark, immersive setting. Despite these strengths, some reviews suggest that the film's pacing and storytelling could have been more compelling. Pop Culture Leftovers notes that while the film starts with an original take, it transitions into a more traditional fantasy adventure in the latter half, which may not satisfy all viewers.

Damsel offers a visually engaging experience with a strong lead performance but falls short in delivering a fully immersive and innovative narrative. It presents themes of female empowerment and survival but may not leave a lasting impact due to its conventional storytelling approach.