Title: “Netflix’s ‘Damsel’ Offers a Twist on the Traditional Fairy Tale Narrative”
In a world where tales of chivalry and damsels in distress are the norm, Netflix’s latest film “Damsel” takes a different approach. Directed by Juan Carlos Fresnadillo and starring Millie Bobby Brown, the movie follows the story of Elodie, a princess from a poor kingdom who agrees to marry a prince from a wealthier realm, only to uncover a dark secret.
The film presents Elodie as a modern-day Disney princess, smart and resourceful, who must navigate through challenges to escape her predicament. While the movie offers a refreshing take on the traditional fairy tale narrative, it falls short in some aspects.
Despite its strong female lead and elements reminiscent of feminist action movies like “Ready or Not,” “Damsel” struggles with pacing and visual effects. The plot twist comes early on, leaving the rest of the movie feeling repetitive and lacking in variation. Additionally, the film fails to fully develop supporting characters and a compelling plot, relying solely on the strength of its lead.
“Damsel” serves as a reminder that a “strong female lead” alone is not enough to make a movie successful. Audiences, both young and old, crave depth and complexity in characters, as well as a captivating storyline. While the film has its moments, it ultimately falls short of delivering a truly engaging cinematic experience.
Rated PG-13 for scenes of fear, distress, and danger, “Damsel” is now available to stream on Netflix for viewers to judge for themselves.
