In Damsel (2024), Millie Bobby Brown sheds her familiar roles to take on a fierce, survival-driven performance as Princess Elodie, a young woman betrayed by her royal family and thrown into a dragon’s lair as a sacrificial offering. What follows is a dark, fantasy survival tale that flips the "damsel in distress" trope into a brutal test of willpower, ingenuity, and courage.
At first glance, the film presents itself as a typical fairy tale: a royal wedding, beautiful landscapes, and an arranged marriage meant to unite kingdoms. But the story takes a sharp turn when Elodie is literally thrown into a fiery cave and left for dead. From there, the movie transforms into a solitary battle for survival as Elodie navigates a deadly, labyrinthine underground, hunted by a vengeful, fire-breathing dragon.
Millie Bobby Brown delivers a physically intense and emotionally raw performance. For most of the film, she’s alone on screen, relying on expressive fear, determination, and physical acting rather than dialogue. Her portrayal of Elodie’s transformation—from a quiet noblewoman into a resilient fighter—is the heart of the film.
Visually, Damsel is striking. The dragon’s lair is beautifully rendered with glowing fungi, towering rock formations, and molten rivers. The lighting and production design capture a haunting atmosphere that blends fantasy with horror. The dragon itself, voiced by Shohreh Aghdashloo, is not just a monster but a sentient creature with a tragic backstory, adding depth to what could have been a generic villain.
The film’s strongest theme is its subversion of expectations. Elodie is not waiting to be rescued—there are no princes, no magic spells, no fairy godmothers. It’s just her, a sword, and the will to survive. The empowerment message is clear and refreshingly unapologetic.
However, the film is not without flaws. The supporting cast, including Angela Bassett and Robin Wright, are underused, appearing mostly in the first act. The pacing dips in the middle, and the emotional beats sometimes feel rushed. The story is simple, and some viewers may find it predictable despite its thematic twist.
Damsel (2024) is a bold, dark reimagining of the classic princess tale. It trades fairy tale romance for survival horror, giving Millie Bobby Brown a powerful showcase. While the plot is straightforward and occasionally uneven, the visuals, atmosphere, and central performance make it a worthwhile watch for fans of modern fantasy.
